Presence (2024) - A Review

The Scene Snobs score 3 out of 5

Presence is a horror drama that took me by surprise in the best way possible. It tells the story of a family of four, but with a unique twist—it unfolds through the perspective of an unseen Presence lingering in their home. The film feels both experimental and familiar, balancing a slow-burn approach with an eerie, atmospheric narrative that steadily builds tension.

While Presence isn’t a direct remake of any particular film, its DNA is woven with clear cinematic influences. One that immediately came to mind is Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca. While Presence doesn’t follow the same plot, it shares a similar psychological unease—the feeling that something unseen, whether a lingering spirit or a past trauma, is always watching. There’s a palpable tension between what is known and what remains hidden, making every moment feel subtly charged.

The pacing is deliberately slow, and while that might test some viewers' patience, it’s an intentional choice that pays off. The tension isn’t built through conventional jump scares but through a creeping dread that seeps into every frame. The cast delivers strong performances, selling the weight of the film’s themes and making the emotional beats land effectively. However, like Rebecca, this is a film that lingers in atmosphere rather than overt action, which may make it a one-time watch for some audiences.

I can’t say I fell in love with Presence, but I deeply respect it. Much like Rebecca, it’s a film that I may not revisit often, but I recognize its craftsmanship and artistry. For those who appreciate psychological horror with a slow-burn approach, I highly recommend giving it a watch. It’s a film that stays with you, even if it doesn’t necessarily call you back for multiple viewings.

Thank you for reading,

Mick Manhattan

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