Renowned director Steven Soderbergh, celebrated for films like Ocean’s Eleven, Traffic, and Logan Lucky, has just unveiled the trailer for his latest project, a psychological horror film titled Presence. Set to hit U.S. theaters on January 17, 2025, and international screens a week later on January 24, the film is already building anticipation among horror fans and cinephiles alike.
The trailer’s release has quickly generated over two million views, sparking intense discussions online as audiences eagerly await this fresh take on the haunted house genre.
Soderbergh, known for his versatility across genres and his innovative approaches to storytelling, has teamed up with screenwriter David Koepp and production company NEON for Presence. Koepp, whose writing credits include Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible, brings his signature style to the film’s narrative, promising a tightly woven story filled with suspense, mystery, and psychological intrigue.
NEON, known for critically acclaimed films like Parasite and I, Tonya, has built a reputation for supporting daring and unique cinema, making Presence a fitting addition to their catalog.
A Stellar Cast Brings Presence to Life
The cast of Presence is led by Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, and Julia Fox, a trio whose diverse talents and backgrounds are sure to bring depth and nuance to this chilling story. Lucy Liu, widely recognized for her roles in Kill Bill and Elementary, plays Rebecca Payne, a central figure in the haunting narrative. Liu’s performance is expected to blend strength and vulnerability, traits she has showcased throughout her career in action-packed and dramatic roles alike.
Chris Sullivan, an Emmy-nominated actor known for his role in This Is Us, co-stars as Rebecca’s husband, Chris Payne. Sullivan’s character brings a contrasting perspective to the haunting events that unfold, adding complexity to the family’s dynamic as they navigate the eerie experiences within their new home. Sullivan’s past performances have demonstrated his ability to capture emotional depth and nuanced reactions, which should serve him well in portraying a character grappling with fear, disbelief, and loyalty.
Julia Fox, who made waves in Hollywood with her breakout performance in Uncut Gems, plays the role of the real estate agent who introduces the Payne family to their unsettling new residence. Fox’s character embodies a sense of mystery, leaving viewers to question whether she knows more about the property than she lets on. Her role as a facilitator of the family’s descent into terror adds a layer of suspense, and her enigmatic portrayal promises to keep audiences guessing.
Supporting cast members include Callina Liang, Eddy Maday, and West Mulholland, whose roles remain undisclosed but are likely to add texture to the film’s suspenseful narrative. Together, this ensemble cast is expected to create a gripping portrayal of a family on the edge, testing the boundaries of their relationships in the face of inexplicable phenomena.
A Unique Perspective on the Haunted House Genre
While haunted house films are a staple of horror, Presence takes a unique approach by telling its story from the perspective of the ghost. This narrative twist, which allows the audience to experience the haunting through the eyes of the supernatural presence itself, is a distinctive choice that sets Presence apart from other entries in the genre. Rather than simply following the family’s reactions to eerie occurrences, the film delves into the ghost’s motivations, emotions, and experiences, creating a multi-dimensional view of the haunting.
This ghost-centered perspective brings an unusual depth to the horror genre, encouraging audiences to empathize with the supernatural character while also building tension. It blurs the lines between the living and the dead, forcing viewers to confront the possibility that ghosts, too, may have stories, memories, and desires that persist even after death. The trailer captures this innovative angle by presenting fleeting glimpses of both the family’s terror and the ghost’s actions, suggesting an emotional complexity that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.
Building Suspense and Mystery
Soderbergh and Koepp’s collaboration on Presence has produced a trailer that artfully withholds key plot details, drawing viewers into a world of intrigue and tension. The trailer opens with atmospheric shots of the family moving into the grand but eerie home, immediately establishing a sense of foreboding. Moments of suspense are interspersed with snippets of the ghost’s point of view, offering an unsettling glimpse into the spirit’s experience. The restrained approach builds anticipation while leaving much to the imagination, allowing viewers to speculate about the ghost’s connection to the house and its intentions toward the Payne family.
The trailer’s release has prompted considerable buzz on social media, with fans analyzing each frame for clues about the storyline. Some speculate that Presence will delve into themes of unresolved trauma, grief, and the lingering impacts of past events, themes that align with Soderbergh’s style of exploring psychological depth within genre frameworks. This approach not only intensifies the horror but also lends the story a sense of realism, making the haunting feel more intimate and personal.
A Promising Collaboration with NEON
NEON’s involvement in Presence adds another layer of excitement for film enthusiasts. Known for backing daring and original projects, NEON has earned a reputation for supporting directors with distinct visions, and their partnership with Soderbergh signals a commitment to creating a horror film that goes beyond typical genre conventions. The company’s success with innovative films like Parasite and Portrait of a Lady on Fire suggests that Presence will aim to balance artistic integrity with commercial appeal, delivering a cinematic experience that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
Anticipation Builds for Presence’s January Release
As the January release date approaches, Presence is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated horror films. With its unique narrative perspective, talented cast, and suspenseful storyline, the film promises to offer a fresh take on the haunted house genre. Soderbergh’s directorial vision, combined with Koepp’s storytelling and NEON’s commitment to originality, makes Presence a must-watch for horror fans and general audiences alike.
The trailer’s strong reception and the film’s innovative approach to horror signal that Presence will deliver more than jump scares and typical haunted house tropes. Instead, it offers an emotionally layered narrative that invites audiences to view the supernatural through a new lens, challenging perceptions of fear and empathy. With its chilling atmosphere, complex characters, and psychological depth, Presence is set to redefine what a haunted house movie can be, making it a standout addition to the horror genre.