Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’ (2024) takes a minimalist yet immersive approach to cinematography, enhancing its psychological horror elements through clever framing, lighting, and camera movement.
I liked how the movie is viewed through the ghost’s perspective. The unsettling camera work represents the spirit, moving smoothly through the house, watching the family unseen. There are subtle distortions, light warping, and blurring effects occasionally hint at the ghost’s emotional state. The film avoids spectral overlays or jump-scare transformations, instead opting for unnerving stillness and imperceptible movement.
Low-light and naturalistic lighting leans into moody, dim lighting to emphasize shadows and create a claustrophobic, eerie atmosphere. Soderbergh plays with desaturated or cool-toned color grading to heighten tension, so expect a subdued, atmospheric look.
I thought the casting was well done, especially Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan and Callina.
Overall, the ‘Presence’ for its experimental narrative style and is thought-provoking as it explores grief, family, and the unseen forces that influence our lives.