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Horror fans who are busy waiting forScream 7to finally hit theaters have something entirely different on offer on digital now.Those who missedPresencein theatersnow have the chance to experience one of themost unique genre films of the year from the comfort of their homes. Directed by the ever-inventive Steven Soderbergh,Presenceis an unconventional supernatural thriller that flips the traditional haunted house narrative on its head. Rather than following human characters being tormented by an unseen force, the film is told from the perspective of the ghost itself.
Beginning February 25,Presencewill be available for digital purchase and rental, allowing more viewers to experience its eerie, first-person storytelling.With Soderbergh at the helm, the film combines cutting-edge cinematography, experimental storytelling, and psychological depth to create an unsettling experience unlike any other horror movie in recent memory.
Presence Offers A Haunting Perspective Like Never Before
One of the most groundbreaking elements ofPresenceis its point of view. In traditional ghost stories, audiences typically follow the living—homeowners, paranormal investigators, or unsuspecting victims—as they encounter strange occurrences.Soderbergh flips this formula on its headby making the ghost the protagonist. The entire film is told from the spirit’s perspective, creating a disorienting and immersive experience unlike anything seen in mainstream horror.
This perspective is more than just a gimmick. By seeing the world through the ghost’s “eyes,” audiences experience its limitations firsthand. The ghost watches, listens, and lingers, but it cannot interact in any meaningful way. It exists in a purgatorial state, observing life without being a part of it.This creates a unique kind of horror—one rooted in isolation and existential dread rather than cheap jump scares.
Soderbergh, known for his willingness to experiment with narrative and cinematography, uses this setup to create a film that is as much about the nature of consciousness as it is about supernatural activity. The camera work, sound design, and storytelling all work together to place audiences in an unfamiliar and unsettling position: notas the victims of a hauntingbut as the entity trapped within it.
Presence Is A Minimalist Yet Deeply Effective Horror Experience
Unlike many modern horror films that rely on heavy visual effects, loud scares, or elaborate mythology,Presencetakes a more restrained approach.The film’s horror is built on tension, atmosphere, and psychological unease rather than overt terror.
The cinematography plays a crucial role in this.The film often employs long, unbroken takes, mirroring the slow, almost dreamlike existence of the ghost. The audience isn’t bombarded with action or frantic editing; instead, they are left to sit in the eerie stillness, waiting for something—anything—to happen. This approach creates an increasing sense of anxiety, making even the smallest disturbances feel unnerving. By doing this,Steven Soderbergh blazes a different trail.
Starring
Sound design is another major factor in the film’s effectiveness. Since the ghost cannot physically interact with the world in the way a living person can, much of its presence is conveyed through subtle audio cues. Distant whispers, barely perceptible shifts in the environment, and the distortion of everyday sounds all contribute to the film’s uneasy atmosphere.This makesPresencean experience that demands attention—it’s not the kind of horror movie that holds your hand or spoon-feeds its scares. Instead, it invites viewers to pay close attention and feel the dread slowly build. Though the ghost is able to move things every so often, it is a poltergeist after all, but cannot send real messages like a person could.
Though the ghost is able to move things every so often, it is a poltergeist after all, but cannot send real messages like a person could.
Why Presence Stands Out Already In 2025’s Horror Lineup
The horror genre in 2024 saw a wide range of films,from brutal slashers to psychological thrillers. Yet, as the calendar turns to 2025,Presenceoffers something different it dares to do something entirely different. In a time when many horror movies rely on nostalgia, reboots, or predictable formulas,Soderbergh’s film is a refreshing example of how the genre can still push boundaries.
Another aspect that setsPresenceapart is its emotional weight. Unlike many ghost stories, which focus on revenge, unfinished business, or malevolent spirits, this film explores what it means to be trapped in an existence with no clear purpose. The ghost inPresenceis not a monster—it is a presence, lingering without reason, bound to a space that no longer belongs to it. This makes the film not just unsettling, but also deeply melancholic.
WithPresencenow available on digital platforms, a wider audience has the opportunity to experience its hauntingly unique storytelling. Its release marks an important moment for horror, proving that innovation is still alive in the genre. As more filmmakers take risks and explore unconventional narratives,Presencemay serve as a blueprint for a new wave of atmospheric, perspective-driven horror.
For fans of horror films that break the mold,Presenceis a must-watch. Whether you’re drawn in by Soderbergh’s reputation for pushing cinematic boundaries or simply curious about experiencing a ghost story from a new angle, this film offers something truly distinctive. Now that it’s available for streaming, there’s no better time to step into the mind of the unknown and see the world through the eyes of the haunted.
