The teaser trailer for “Presence” has been unveiled, offering a glimpse into what director Steven Soderbergh has in store with his innovative horror film, which is told from the perspective of a ghost. Penned by David Koepp, this film marks Soderbergh’s return to feature filmmaking after “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” (2023). Starring Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, and Callina Liang, the movie centers around a family settling into a new home, only to discover it’s occupied by an enigmatic presence.
Neon has launched a fresh teaser for “Presence,” showcasing Soderbergh’s inventive take on the horror genre. The teaser notably omits any human figures, focusing instead on an eerie aerial view of a suburban home as a spectral entity appears to approach it. One title card ominously states, “In This House There Are Unimaginable Acts,” hinting at the horrors that will emerge within this setting. See the teaser below:
What the “Presence” Teaser Indicates for the Film
The Ghost’s Perspective: A Significant Genre Innovation
Supernatural horror films featuring haunted houses typically unfold from the perspective of the victims. The fright often arises from not witnessing the demon or ghost, as viewers experience the same shock as characters do when doors slam or objects fall. This contributes to a pervasive sense of unease essential to such films.
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“Presence” is poised to subvert this trope by providing viewers with insight into the ghostly presence’s activities. Although this approach might diminish some of the mystery around the ghostly entity, reviews from the film’s Sundance premiere earlier this year were largely favorable. The film garnered accolades for its technical prowess and how it portrays the ghost’s perspective, while Koepp’s screenplay is praised for maintaining the story’s emotional depth.
Koepp is known for writing scripts for iconic films such as “Jurassic Park” (1993), “Mission: Impossible” (1996), and “Spider-Man” (2002). He has also penned the upcoming “Jurassic World Rebirth” (2026).
Our Perspective on the “Presence” Teaser Trailer
Soderbergh’s Novel Horror Method Could Transcend Mere Gimmickry
Though the latest trailer reveals little, it offers a glimpse of the filmmaking style audiences can anticipate with “Presence.” The prior teaser also featured the same ominous, floating camera, suggesting this technique will pervade the entire film. In less capable hands, narrating a story from the ghost’s viewpoint might seem gimmicky. However, with films like “Traffic” (2000), “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), “Contagion” (2011), and “Logan Lucky” (2017) under his belt, Soderbergh has demonstrated he might be the ideal director to execute this distinctive concept successfully.
Source: Neon
Presence
- Horror
- Thriller
Presence is a horror-thriller film directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2024. The film centers around a family who move into a new home only to discover they aren't alone - and their houseguest may be more than human.
