The Presence [DVD]

This is not the typical Hollywood scary movie... there are not a lot of jumps, instead it creeps up on you. I guess in some ways it asks the audience to think and do a little work, which certainly seems to throw some people in the audience off. It's hard to explain without giving too much away so I will say take a chance and get the movie if you want something original and beautiful. The cinematography is amazing, and the first 20 or so minutes don't even have dialogue, which I thought was wonderful. (And seems like it would be difficult to pull off.) There are some very good twists and turns, and the acting is terrific. This is a movie that actually is trying to say something and do something different than the norm. We found it mesmerizing and I even cried at the end.

First thing you need to know; THIS IS NOT A HORROR FILM. If you have a low boredom threshold don`t bother with this; you will not appreciate it for what it is and you will likely judge it by standards that are not applicable to it.

It is a pleasure to discover a film as sophisticated, thought-provoking and thoroughly well-crafted as this, even from independent film makers; this has been made by people who know the value of a lingering camera shot, effective use of sound, the integration of music and the merit of an evocative setting. Writer/director Tom Provost has delivered an unusual, subtly gripping, genre-twisting story that introduces the viewer into the secret from the outset, then creates tension and unease as the plot unfolds around the central characters, an unnamed woman and her boyfriend.
With the vast, empty Oregon landscape as a background and the remote, unsettling location of a cabin apparently only accessible by water, Mia Sorvino and the rest of the cast put in wonderfully measured performances; Tony Curran, especially, makes Mephistopheles look like a reasonable bloke.
I have no wish to give any of the story away - you'll have to watch this film and discover its meanings and depths for yourself.
"The Presence" deserves to be bracketed with classics like "The Haunting", "The Others" or "The Sixth Sense" - even realised on a very small budget, it is still a beautiful, polished piece of cinema.

The film is presented in a widescreen (2.35:1) format; there are no subtitles.
My copy is the 4 Digital Media release with the blue monochrome artwork - despite listing various extras including a "making of" documentary and director's commentary, there are no extras on the disc at all, not even a trailer; rather a shame for such an intriguing, original work. This is one occasion when such extras would have been welcome.

I urge you to seek this out if you enjoy an intelligent, provocative ghost story; it probably isn't to everyone's taste - it has drawn mixed reviews elsewhere - most likely due to misplaced expectations; give it the time it needs, chances are you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
And do shop around for it - the 4DM release can be found for a reasonable price.

I have to say, the thing I loved most about THE PRESENCE was that it did not resort to ridiculous, trite gimmicks and devices to scare and/or trick you. I've seen the trailer and it sadly does not capture what is most special about this film: it's artistry. Don't get me wrong, it's not artsy fartsy; however, it is made by someone who clearly loves cinema and respects it as art and not cheap entertainment.

For instance, the camera rarely comes off the tripod, rather than shake like crazy, which has become so boring. And rather than a bunch of unknown 20 year-olds stuck in a cabin, this film boasts top-notch performances from top talent in their 30s! You want blood? This film isn't for you. It tastefully and respectfully scares you without gore. And, believe it or not, there is a really good, solid love story amidst the fright!

Do you want to see something different, without stupid antics and cheap tricks? Watch THE PRESENCE...