Presence (2024) – Plot Summary
Overview
Presence is a 2024 supernatural thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by David Koepp. The film takes a fresh approach to ghost stories by telling the story entirely from the ghost’s point of view. As the haunting unfolds, the audience watches a family’s darkest secrets unravel—through the eyes of the spirit watching them.
A New Home, A Lingering Presence
The Payne family moves into a spacious, quiet house in New Jersey, hoping for a fresh start. The family includes Rebekah (Lucy Liu), her husband Chris (Chris Sullivan), and their two teenage children—Tyler and Chloe. However, the house hides something none of them expects: a restless spirit that silently observes their every move.
Right away, the ghost becomes aware of the growing tension inside the house. While the family sees only a normal move-in, the spirit senses deeper unrest.
♀️ Uneasy Family Dynamics
Rebekah appears controlling and emotionally distant. She showers attention on Tyler, the overconfident swimmer, while ignoring Chloe, who’s mourning her best friend Nadia’s death. Meanwhile, Chris drifts further from Rebekah and quietly considers leaving the marriage.
Chloe, already isolated, becomes more withdrawn. Yet, she’s the only one who senses the ghost’s presence. Unlike the others, she feels something—or someone—is watching. Gradually, the connection grows stronger.
Grief Opens a Door
Chloe believes the spirit might be Nadia. Seeking comfort, she connects with Ryan Caldwell, a friend of Tyler’s. Their bond intensifies as they share grief and explore risky behaviors. However, danger looms. During a late-night gathering, Ryan tries to drug Chloe. The ghost, silently watching, takes action—it knocks the drink out of her hand, saving her life.
This moment marks a turning point. Now, Chloe knows for sure: the presence is real.
Secrets Revealed
A local medium visits the house and confirms what Chloe already suspects. The ghost is confused and stuck in time. According to the medium, trauma has made Chloe emotionally “open,” allowing her to sense the spirit more than others can. The mirror in the home seems to anchor the ghost, acting as a portal between the living and the dead.
Still, the rest of the family remains skeptical—until tragedy strikes.
⚠️ A Final Act of Protection
Later, Ryan tries again to harm Chloe. This time, the spirit awakens Tyler and urges him to intervene. Tyler confronts Ryan in a violent struggle. As a result, Ryan dies in the chaos.
Then comes the twist: Tyler dies during the incident. In a heartbreaking reveal, we learn he had been the ghost all along. His spirit, lingering in the house, had been trying to protect Chloe from beyond the grave.
Conclusion
Presence (2024) delivers a haunting twist on the classic ghost story. With its unique first-person ghost perspective, the film explores grief, guilt, and sibling love. Soderbergh’s direction and the emotional plot make this supernatural thriller both eerie and moving.
