TIFF 2024: Presence (With Movie Trailer)
Get ready for a thrilling ride into the unknown with Presence, the latest film by Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh, premiering at TIFF 2024. Known for his ability to reinvent genres, Soderbergh dives into the world of horror with a fresh and eerie perspective. This time, the story is told entirely from the point of view of a housebound spirit. Yeah, you heard that right—Presence isn’t just about a haunting; it is the haunting.
A Ghost’s-Eye View
Presence flips the script on traditional ghost stories by making the ghost the main character. Imagine being the unseen force in the corner of the room, silently watching as a family’s life unravels. The spirit, our invisible protagonist, observes every moment of tension, sadness, and frustration as a seemingly normal family moves into a house that’s far from welcoming. This unique perspective, paired with Soderbergh’s genius direction, makes for an experience that is both unsettling and intriguing.
The Family: Meet Rebekah, Chris, and Their Kids
Enter the family: Rebekah (Lucy Liu) and Chris (Chris Sullivan) are moving into what should be their dream home, but life isn’t that simple. Rebekah is stressed from work, their daughter Chloe (Callina Liang) is grappling with the grief of losing her best friend, and their son Tyler (Eddy Maday) is focused on his swimming career. Everything seems normal—until it isn’t. The spirit in the house takes a special interest in Chloe, gently nudging her toward unsettling realizations, and soon, the rest of the family begins to feel the ghostly presence, too.
Soderbergh’s Magic Touch
Soderbergh, along with screenwriter David Koepp (Jurassic Park), keeps you on edge with every scene. The film moves like a specter itself—drifting in and out of moments, watching the family dynamic unfold with a subtle, creeping tension. There’s an underlying melancholy throughout Presence, creating an atmosphere of quiet dread that builds as the story unfolds. The camera work feels like it’s floating, giving us a voyeuristic view, as if we, too, are invisible spirits haunting the halls.
And, of course, the film has a Soderbergh twist. Without giving too much away, the final act will either surprise you or make you question what you just watched—it’s that kind of movie. But if you love films that make you think while keeping your heart racing, Presence delivers.
Why You Should Watch Presence
- A Fresh Take on Horror: Ever wondered what it would be like to see a ghost story through the eyes of the ghost? Presence takes you there, offering a new twist on the genre.
- Incredible Cast: Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, and newcomer Callina Liang shine in this intense family drama, while Julia Fox’s cameo adds a fun surprise.
- Soderbergh’s Signature Style: From the haunting cinematography to the suspenseful pacing, Soderbergh’s direction keeps you glued to the screen.
Catch It at TIFF 2024
Mark your calendars and prepare for a hauntingly good time. Here are the showtimes for Presence:
- Thursday, September 5 | 9:35 AM | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
- Friday, September 13 | 6:15 PM | VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre
- Saturday, September 14 | 7:45 PM | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
With Presence, Soderbergh proves once again that he’s a master of genre reinvention. Don’t miss this chilling and beautifully crafted ghost story at TIFF 2024—it’s bound to leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
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