Steven Soderbergh’s 'Presence' Review
In this milestone episode of The Commentary Booth, Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive into Steven Soderbergh’s latest psychological thriller, Presence. Unlike traditional haunted house films, Presence is told entirely from the ghost’s perspective, offering a fresh and unsettling look at a family’s unravelling life inside their new home.
Starring Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, and Eddy Maday, the film follows a family of four as they move into a house that already has an unseen resident. As tensions rise and the family’s hidden struggles come to light, the ghost observes - and occasionally interacts - leading to a shocking final act. Jamie and Corrina discuss the film’s unique cinematography, eerie atmosphere, and whether it leans more towards horror, mystery, or pure drama.
Episode Highlights:
First impressions of Presence and its experimental storytelling
Lucy Liu’s powerful but unlikable role as the overbearing mother
The ghost as a silent character & Soderbergh’s unique filming techniques
The film’s slow-burn pacing and psychological depth
The jaw-dropping finale and what it reveals about the ghost’s identity
Final ratings - does Presence succeed as a supernatural thriller?
This episode is perfect for fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers that challenge traditional storytelling.
