Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
Everyone, at one time or another has sensed, without seeing, the presence of an unknown entity or experienced déjà vu, or knowing the phone is about to ring. This instinct is not terrifying, often gratifying, comforting, or the supreme satisfaction that a deceased loved one is still vigilant in protecting one.
Directed by Steven Soderberg’s “Presence” is wonderful, innovative and does not fall into the stereotypical “horror” genre; it is supernatural, gorgeously crafted, architecturally sublime; every scene is stroked with a sacred aura and every person, given license to complete the scenario; there is an intimacy, isolation of sensitivity and quest to define the haunting of a family of four, in a home of wonderment: “Rebecca Payne”, (Lucy Liu, portrait of a dynamic businesswoman, problem solver), obsequiously devoted to her son: gifted athlete, “Tyler”, (Eddy Maday); Chris Sullivan, “Chris” is effulgent in his quiet role of a father, loving and realistically observant of his daughter’s “Chole” (Callina Liang) hubris and gut-wrenching grief over the unexplained loss of her teenaged friend “Nadia”.
Entering the quadrangle, a charismatic, handsome interloper “Ryan”, (West Mulholland) a high school buddy of Tyler’s, instantly smitten with Chole and a presumptuous familiarity with hallucinogenic drugs. The intensity of the film lies in the viewpoint of the unseen protagonist, death and its formality, unanswered queries, and its shockingly traumatic conclusion.
“Presence” in its prescient warnings, with tact and grace evoke the metaphysical poetry of a creator well versed in the mechanisms of the human psyche and soul.
FOUR STARS!!!!
Peneflix
