This article will explore the details of “Presence” which is a thriller film where the entire experience is delivered from the perspective of a ghostly presence and a new life development for star Julia Fox with her own unique paranormal situation.
- "Presence" a new thriller told from a ghost’s point of view showcasing Lucy Liu, and Julia Fox.
- Julia Fox reveals that her new home had a resident ghost named “Beauty” that has her son in awe and even she herself has had some encounters as well.
- “Presence” also touches on unique dynamics from all its characters creating relatable issues and themes.
- Steven Soderbergh’s direction and David Koepp’s writing creates an emotional intensity within this horror story while making sure each moment was very distinct.
- The exploration of internal lives through a visual platform helps showcase many of what viewers could experience within their everyday lives if in a haunted story.
The Core Premise of "Presence"
"Presence" offers a fresh perspective in the horror genre with its viewpoint entirely from that of a ghost. It is a very stylistic delivery, showcasing a unique exploration in how stories can be experienced. All of this is set within a family home. It explores common problems while introducing paranormal entities. This series showcases what is thought about from other areas while exploring how different individuals might feel if dealing with that type of situation.
The Ghost's Perspective
The movie positions the viewer through the ghost’s eyes following the living characters which are unaware of its presence with the camera operated by Steven Soderbergh adding to the uniqueness of this concept. The ghost’s point of view helps explore their emotions within these tense situations. There is also a focus on who the ghost is, along with its true intentions with all around them.
The Payne Family Dynamics
The story introduces a family: Rebecca the type A mother who seemingly favors her son, Chris the more gentle and connected father and their two teen children Chloe the sensitive, withdrawn daughter and the energetic but callous Tyler. All have personal lives shown while being observed with great intent by the ghostly entity.
Personal Struggles and Emotions
Chloe grapples with grief from the death of a close friend as the entire family is adjusting to a new life. There are also many tense conversations between parents with their own individual secrets and concerns. The way each of the living characters cope with stress and internal issues help build a rich storyline.
Technical Approach and Storytelling
The film does not follow a found footage movie in the traditional sense. It uses elements from it to elevate the core ideas and feelings it creates in this story. The movie also creates an environment that blends tension, and intrigue making the approach for this storyline unique to view and see play out from beginning to end.
Direction, Cinematography and Visuals
Soderbergh the director, also uses cinematography under the alias of Peter Andrews where he focuses the camera on emotional reactions through subtle details which emphasizes the unique nature of their inner lives and emotions. He even goes as far to move the camera in his own form with his “martial-art” styled shoes for quiet movement which adds to its authenticity in creating this role of spirit..
Julia Fox: The Actress and her connection to the spiritual realm.
Julia Fox in "Presence" played a real estate agent selling a haunted house which seems a nod to her own real life situation. The actress said she had purchased a house and she wasn’t even aware it had a ghost till she had moved in with her son. The owners sent a letter stating they had a ghost named Beauty, adding a different tone and perspective.
Coexisting with a Spirit
Julia mentions that she didn't feel that “Beauty” had chosen her specifically but she instead came with the home. Her son has the ability to see the spirit she calls a matriarch, as they had begun coexisting in the house. In addition they have an appreciation of one another making their story all the more unique.
Exploration of Themes
The story while having horror components still focuses on themes of trauma, relationships and self-discovery in addition to exploring ethical and spiritual values. The combination helps balance what is important in many situations.
Intimacy Through the Ghosts Perspective
By seeing every moment of these characters through the spirit's viewpoint brings in new conversations. Those viewing see every personal dynamic without any restrictions, providing access to private thoughts. This element makes the story even more unique while showing how unique the format is.
Family Dysfunctions and Consequences
The focus of "Presence" helps showcase the effects that families have through emotional distance, favoritisim, and communication problems and then showing that those very dynamics can haunt us while in our life’s journey. The core element shows how personal flaws in a lifetime can come full circle even past this dimension.
Key Takeaways
- "Presence" is a horror film told through the lens of a ghost and uses Julia Fox, Lucy Liu and a strong supporting cast to further the unique story line.
- Julia Fox reveals an unexpected home situation by moving into a home that came with a ghost creating a strange correlation to her role.
- Steven Soderbergh's direction and unique camera work creates a truly singular approach to experiencing this film in its genre.
- The story of "Presence" tackles challenging family dynamics alongside supernatural events adding to its depth while being an emotionally impactful journey.
- Themes such as grief, empathy, identity and moral choices add layers to “Presence” by using multiple characters who struggle through internal issues and test their human condition.