Curious if Presence Movie is worth your time? As a seasoned movie reviewer, I’ll lay it out plain: this horror thriller from Steven Soderbergh hooks you with a fresh ghost-eye twist but stumbles on delivering big scares. Released on April 4, 2025, this English-language film stars Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan as a couple facing family cracks under a supernatural gaze. Clocking in at 1 hour 26 minutes, it’s a tight, moody ride. Stick around for a deep look at the plot, cast, direction, and more to decide if this 2025 film deserves your watchlist spot.
This breakdown explores what makes Presence stand out. With a unique POV and a stellar cast, it aims to redefine supernatural thrillers. Does it succeed? Let’s find out.
What Is Presence Movie All About?
Presence drops you into a suburban house where a mysterious entity watches everything. The Payne family mom Rebekah (Lucy Liu), dad Chris (Chris Sullivan), and their teens Tyler and Chloe move in, unaware of their silent observer. The ghost’s lens reveals a marriage on the rocks, a grieving daughter, and a favored son. It’s less about jump scares and more about peeling back layers of tension, grief, and hidden truths.
The setup grabs you quick. A family in chaos, spied on by something unseen, promises unease. Yet, the story leans hard on drama over horror. For a thriller movie, it’s a slow burn that might not satisfy scare-seekers.
How Does the Plot Unfold?
The film opens with the entity roaming an empty house. Soon, realtor Julia Fox ushers in the Paynes. Rebekah pushes to buy, ignoring Chris’s doubts. As they settle, the ghost fixates on Chloe, who’s reeling from a friend’s death. Family friction grows. Rebekah’s shady job hints at secrets. Chris wrestles with loyalty. The climax twists hard, revealing the ghost’s identity. It’s a gut punch, but the buildup can feel sluggish.
Who Brings Presence to Life?
Presence Movie leans on Lucy Liu as Rebekah, a controlling mom with edge. Chris Sullivan plays Chris, her softer, conflicted husband. Julia Fox cameo as the realtor adds sass. Newcomers Callina Liang (Chloe) and Eddy Maday (Tyler) round out the family, with Liang shining as the haunted teen.
The cast delivers. Liu and Sullivan nail the strained couple vibe. Liang’s quiet pain steals scenes. For an English film, the acting keeps you locked in, even when the scares lag.
What Stands Out in the Performances?
Lucy Liu owns Rebekah. Her sharp stares and clipped tone scream authority. Chris Sullivan balances tenderness and frustration, grounding the chaos. Callina Liang brings sorrow and strength to Chloe, making her the heart. Eddy Maday’s Tyler oozes teenage arrogance. Julia Fox pops in briefly but leaves a mark. Their chemistry fuels the family drama.
How Does Steven Soderbergh Direct Presence?
Steven Soderbergh helms Presence with a bold choice: shoot it all from the ghost’s POV. Long takes glide through the house, building a creepy vibe. He doubles as cinematographer, keeping shots fluid and intimate. But the focus on style sometimes overshadows the story. The pace drags, and the horror feels muted.
Soderbergh shines in framing suspense. Quiet moments hum with unease. Still, the lack of big thrills might leave fans of his past work wanting more.
What’s the Visual Style Like?
The visuals hook you. The house feels alive antique mirrors, dim corners, all caught in wide, fisheye lenses. Soderbergh’s camera stalks the family, creating a voyeuristic chill. Editing stays minimal, letting scenes breathe. It’s moody and stylish, perfect for a ghost story, though not groundbreaking.
Does the Soundtrack Heighten Presence?
The score keeps it subtle. Soft piano notes weave through early scenes, hinting at unease. Later, strings swell to match the tension. It’s not memorable on its own, but it fits the supernatural mood. For a horror film, it avoids over-the-top cues, letting silence do the heavy lifting.
Why Does Presence Fall Short as a Horror?
Here’s the catch: Presence isn’t scary enough. The ghost POV is clever, but it rarely jolts you. The focus shifts to family woes Rebekah’s secrets, Chloe’s grief over ghostly terror. Fans expecting a full-on horror thriller might feel let down. It’s more drama with a spooky filter.
The idea rocks. Execution? Less so. A tighter grip on fear could’ve made it a standout.
How Does Presence Compare to Other 2025 Thrillers?
Against 2025 peers like Wolf Man or The Monkey, Presence plays it low-key. It lacks the visceral punch of slashers or the wild twists of sci-fi thrillers. Think closer to Kimi, Soderbergh’s earlier slow-burn. It’s unique, but not the year’s boldest.
| Movie | Genre | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolf Man | Horror | Raw Scares | Predictable |
| The Monkey | Thriller | Wild Plot | Uneven Tone |
| Presence | Horror Thriller | Style | Low Fear |
Who Will Enjoy Presence Movie?
Love a slow, moody tale? Presence fits you. Fans of Lucy Liu or Soderbergh’s quirks will find gold. If you dig family drama with a supernatural twist, it’s a win. But hardcore horror buffs might walk away hungry for more chills.
What Are the Emotional Hooks?
The film pulls at your heart. Chloe’s grief cuts deep. Rebekah’s cold drive clashes with Chris’s quiet pain. The ghost’s longing adds a sad layer. It’s less about fear, more about loss and connection. The end hits like a brick.
How Does Presence Fit Into 2025 Cinema?
2025 films lean big action epics, loud horrors. Presence goes small, introspective. Its English release targets a wide crowd, but it’s no blockbuster. In a sea of flash, this thriller opts for subtlety, a rare bird this year.
Where Can You Catch Presence?
Since its April 4, 2025 drop, Presence is in theaters. No streaming yet, but check 7starhd, a movie review platform, for updates. Its A rating suits mature viewers.
What Are Audiences Saying About Presence?
Feedback splits. Some rave about the twisty end and Liu’s fire. Others shrug at the tame scares. Online buzz rates it 3.1 to 3.5 out of 5. It’s a thinker, not a screamer love it or leave it.
| Aspect | Rating (Out of 5) | Audience Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Story | 3.3 | Mixed |
| Acting | 3.8 | Strong |
| Scares | 2.9 | Soft |
Why Should You Watch Presence?
Presence offers a fresh take. The ghost’s view and top-tier cast make it special. It’s not the scariest, but it sticks with you. For a horror movie that digs into human mess, it’s worth a shot.
What Can You Take Away?
Here’s what lingers:
- Lucy Liu and Callina Liang shine bright.
- Family ties can haunt more than ghosts.
- Watch for mood, not screams.
Will Presence Leave a Lasting Mark?
Doubtful. Presence Movie has flair, but it’s no game-changer. It’s a solid entry in Soderbergh’s lineup, not a horror classic. Catch it for the vibe, not the legacy.