Presence, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is a unique haunted house movie. Unlike typical horror films, it unfolds from the perspective of a spirit trapped within a suburban home. The plot begins with a family of four—Rebekah, Chris, and their teenage children, Tyler and Chloe—moving into the house, unaware of the entity watching over them. The haunting is mostly experienced through Chloe’s perception, suggesting a connection between her grief and the ghost’s presence.
The presence appears to be drawn to Chloe, leading her to believe that it may be the ghost of her best friend Nadia, who died from an overdose. Chloe’s grief over Nadia’s death shapes much of her interaction with the spirit. However, her claims are met with skepticism and cruelty, particularly from her brother Tyler, and her mother, Rebekah. Only her father Chris shows compassion and believes Chloe, fueling his growing concern about the entity.
Callina Liang as Chloe (Photo: Presence/Extension 765)Lisa’s Investigation and Discovery of the Spirit’s Purpose
Chris brings in Lisa, who has “second sight,” to investigate the haunting. Lisa’s insight into the situation suggests the ghost is confused and unsure of its purpose in the house. She also hints that the spirit exists outside of time, with its presence potentially linked to past or future events. This mysterious explanation sets the stage for the unfolding of chilling events, indicating that the spirit’s ties to the family may run deeper than expected.
Meanwhile, Chloe becomes involved with Tyler’s friend Ryan, who appears to be a comforting figure but harbors sinister intentions. Ryan drugs Chloe, possibly with the aim of assaulting her, but the spirit intervenes, knocking the glass over before any harm can be done. Chloe, unaware of Ryan’s true nature, agrees to his plan of getting Tyler drunk to spend time alone with him while their parents are away.
Callina Liang as Chloe (Photo: Presence/Extension 765)The Night of Terror: Ryan’s Confession and the Spirit’s Intervention
On the night Chloe and Ryan plan to be alone, Ryan proceeds with his scheme, drugging Chloe’s drink and preparing to attack her. In a chilling turn, Ryan confesses to having killed both Nadia and another girl by overdosing them in the same way. As he attempts to suffocate Chloe, the spirit intervenes, waking Tyler just in time to save his sister. The ensuing struggle leads to a fatal fall, with both Ryan and Tyler dying in the process.
The final sequence reveals a heartbreaking twist. As the family prepares to leave the house, Rebekah sees an apparition of Tyler in the living room mirror. The implication is that Tyler, trapped in a time loop, was the presence all along. He had to die to save his sister, but his death was necessary for the events to unfold. The haunting leaves viewers with a poignant and complex gut punch, suggesting deeper themes of sacrifice and time beyond the traditional horror framework.
