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Drama thriller

Presence (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Presence (2025) movie poster

Presence is a 2025 drama thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh, starring Julia Fox as Cece, Lucy Liu and Chris Sullivan. It runs 1 hour 25 minutes and earned $11.1 million worldwide. Critics gave it 77 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$11.1M
Echo Score
70
Metascore
77
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Presence (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 25m (85 min)
Genres
Drama , Horror , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Presence About?

The premise of Presence without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A family moves into a suburban house and becomes convinced they’re not alone.

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Cast & crew

Presence Cast & Characters

Julia Fox leads the cast as Cece, with Lucy Liu as Rebecca and Chris Sullivan as Chris. Directed by Steven Soderbergh; 7 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Presence

· 3 more
From the director

More from Steven Soderbergh

More films directed by Steven Soderbergh, best-rated first: sex, lies, and videotape, Traffic, The Christophers and King of the Hill.

Full filmography
Ratings

Presence Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Presence 77 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

70 /100

Presence Echo Score Breakdown

The film Presence demonstrates a distinctive visual approach paired with a contemplative narrative that divides audiences. Critics frequently commend the director’s meticulous framing and the inventive ghost’s‐eye viewpoint for establishing atmosphere and thematic resonance. However, some observers find the pacing deliberate and the dramatic payoff underwhelming, especially for viewers anticipating conventional horror elements. The result is an unconventional exercise that appeals to thoughtful viewers while leaving others less satisfied.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Presence’s strongest attribute is its assured visual design and precise editing. Reviewers highlight Soderbergh’s use of muted color palettes and the ghost’s-point-of-view cinematography for generating an immersive yet restrained aesthetic. Although some critiques note that the specter’s vantage occasionally disrupts suspense, the overall execution of framing, lighting, and pacing underscores the film’s deliberate stylistic intent. The visual composition remains a compelling centerpiece.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When it comes to character and emotion, Presence offers a nuanced central identity but uneven support for peripheral figures. Critics highlight the ghost’s subtle portrayal and the emotional undercurrents of family interactions, while some note occasional awkward dialogue and underdeveloped performances. Overall, the depth of feeling is intermittently compelling yet counterbalanced by narrative distance.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of story and flow, Presence presents an original premise but divides opinion on pacing and payoff. The inventive ghost’s‐eye structure and subtle plot twists earn commendation for avoiding exposition, yet many viewers find the rhythm slow and the conclusion anticlimactic. The narrative’s philosophical bent generates intrigue but may leave expectations of conventional horror unfulfilled.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    When it comes to sensory experience, Presence relies on a restrained sonic and visual palette to establish atmosphere. Reviewers note the effective use of ambient sound design and a measured soundtrack that amplify tension without overt jumps. Some perceive the mix as subdued, yet the cohesive audio-visual approach consistently supports the film’s deliberate and immersive mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    When evaluating rewatch factor, Presence offers intellectual rewards through its subtle clues and thematic layers. Critics suggest that the film’s open questions and minimalistic pacing encourage reflection on subsequent viewings. However, viewers seeking more visceral thrills may find limited incentives to revisit. The enduring impact hinges on appreciation for atmospheric nuance over conventional scares.

Plot

Presence Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Presence from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The film begins in a desolate house as an unseen force, referred to as the “Presence,” drifts silently from room to room in the early hours of the morning, anticipating the arrival of the Paine family. Shortly after, realtor Cece arrives to welcome the family, which consists of Chris and Rebecca, portrayed by Chris Sullivan and Lucy Liu respectively, along with their children, Tyler and Chloe. Chloe is currently grappling with the aftermath of her best friend Nadia’s tragic death, along with another girl from school, both suspected to have succumbed to drug overdoses. Throughout their visit, the Presence silently observes the family’s interactions within the house.

Full summary

The whole story of Presence, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Presence Box Office

Presence grossed $11.1 million worldwide. $6.9 million came from the US and Canada and $4.2 million (38%) from the rest of the world.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$11.1M

US & Canada
$6.9M
International
$4.2M
US & Canada 62% Rest of the world 38%
Videos

Presence Trailers & Videos

8 videos: 2 trailers, 3 teasers, 1 clip and 2 featurettes.

All 8 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer #2
  • Teaser Official Teaser #1
  • Teaser Official Teaser #2
  • Teaser Official Teaser #3
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Presence?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who plays the role of the realtor Cece?

Cars

Cars in Presence

6 cars on screen, including the 2017 Ford Fusion and the 2008 Honda Accord.

All 6 cars
  • 2017 Ford Fusion in Presence 2017 Ford Fusion Minor role
  • 2008 Honda Accord in Presence 2008 Honda Accord Minor role
  • 2019 Subaru Forester in Presence 2019 Subaru Forester Minor role
  • 2004 Toyota Tundra in Presence 2004 Toyota Tundra Minor role
Details

Presence Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “感应” and “A Presença”.

Also known as
  • 感应
  • A Presença
  • プレゼンス 存在
  • Přítomnost
  • Linh Hồn Bảo Hộ
  • Presença
  • 프레젠스
  • Присутствие
  • Presencia
  • נוכחות
  • Prisutnost
  • เป็น อยู่ ตาย
+11 more
  • Kohalolu
  • Varlık
  • 感應
  • Jelenlét
  • حضور
  • Présence
  • Присъствие
  • Потойбічне
  • Prezență
  • Присуство
  • Būtybė, ყველგანმყოფელი

Seen Presence?

FAQ

Presence FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Presence, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Presence?

Presence runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).

When was Presence released?

Presence was released on January 17, 2025.

Who directed Presence?

Presence was directed by Steven Soderbergh.

More films by Steven Soderbergh

Who is in the cast of Presence?

Presence stars Julia Fox as Cece, Lucy Liu as Rebecca and Chris Sullivan as Chris, among 7 credited actors.

How much did Presence make at the box office?

Presence grossed $11.1 million worldwide ($6.9 million domestic, $4.2 million international).

How is Presence rated?

Presence has 77 on Metacritic and 61% on TMDB.

Does Presence have a post-credit scene?

No. Presence has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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