Psychological horror films truly embody what it means to evoke deep-seated fear. While most horror movies rely on visible threats—monsters, poltergeists, or demons—sometimes the most unsettling terror is elusive, intangible, and impossible to pin down. “Presence” is a perfect example of this approach. From the moment the film was announced, I was intrigued. Its trailer masterfully blended suspenseful elements without giving too much away, unlike so many previews that spoil the plot before you even step into the theater. Instead, “Presence” kept its mystery intact, making my anticipation for it all the more intense.
Vanishing Plot
“Presence” centers on a family of four—a mother, father, son, and daughter—who relocate to a new home. Far from harmonious, the family’s dynamic is fraught with tension. The mother is passive, withdrawn, and shrouded in secrecy. The father, weary and frustrated by their circumstances, longs for an escape. The son bristles with unresolved anger, lashing out at everyone around him, while the daughter is steeped in despair, teetering on the edge of surrendering to her darkness. As the family spirals toward disaster and the daughter toward fatality, something intervenes (presence)—yet the force that steps in is not at all what anyone, including the audience, could have anticipated.
Sluggish Storytelling and Narrative Gaps
This film aims for depth but loses its footing along the way. With a runtime of just 84 minutes, it drags through a slow-paced first hour, offering little hint of anything supernatural until well past the midpoint. The main focus is on the family’s fractured relationships, but these are never fully fleshed out. Key plotlines are left dangling: Does the father actually leave? What is the mother’s big, emotional confession? How does the daughter’s struggle with death and suicide resolve? Why is her secret relationship kept hidden from everyone?
Far too many questions go unanswered. When the twist finally comes, it’s intriguing but ultimately underwhelming—clearly meant to evoke a Sixth Sense-level shock, but instead it feels disjointed and falls flat. There’s a brief temptation to rewatch for missed clues, but that feeling fades quickly, as the film simply doesn’t warrant a second viewing.
When the Hype Outpaces the Haunt
The Presence strives to be a deep psychological think piece, aiming to shock the viewer with its plot twist, but it doesn’t succeed. Occasionally, a film fails to meet its promotional promises, which is unfortunate. I’m relieved I didn’t see this one in theaters. I always encourage people to watch a film and form their opinions.
Uncut Diamonds 