Episode 86: Presence

Mindframes: The Presence – A Steven Soderbergh Experiment

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Mindframes, Michael and Dave are joined by special guest Tarek Fayoumi (MoviesWithTarek.com, Chicago Indie Critics) to dissect Steven Soderbergh's new film, The Presence. They explore its unique point-of-view cinematography, thematic connections to isolation in modern horror, and its place within Soderbergh's diverse filmography. The trio also debates the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether it truly earns its ghost story label.

🔖 Topics & Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00:14 – Welcome & Introductions

• Michael & Dave introduce the show and their guest, Tarek Fayoumi.
• Tarek shares insights from his work as a film critic.

⏳ 00:01:57 – Overview of The Presence

• Introduction to The Presence, a ghost story with a unique POV perspective.
• Soderbergh's cinematography choices and how they affect immersion.

⏳ 00:03:06 – Tarek’s Experience with Soderbergh

• How Soderbergh creates realism in his films.
• Discussion of his past work, including Contagion and the Ocean’s films.

⏳ 00:04:51 – What Makes The Presence Unique?

• The film’s VR-like cinematography and immersive ghostly POV.
• How the film builds tension without traditional horror tropes.

⏳ 00:05:22 – Ghost Story Influences

• Comparing The Presence to films like The Others, The Sixth Sense, and The Haunting.
• How it differs from found footage and traditional ghost stories.

⏳ 00:08:00 – David Koepp’s Writing & The Ending Debate

• Discussion of screenwriter David Koepp’s contributions (Jurassic Park, Stir of Echoes).
• Does the film’s ending work? Michael & Dave share mixed feelings.

⏳ 00:15:28 – Soderbergh’s Diverse Career: Any Common Threads?

• Oceans 11, Erin Brockovich, Solaris, and Sex, Lies, and Videotape – what connects them?
• Soderbergh’s recurring themes of surveillance, observation, and isolation.

⏳ 00:22:54 – Official Synopsis & Final Thoughts

• A family moves into a suburban home and suspects they are not alone…
• The Presence as an atmospheric rather than traditional horror.

⏳ 00:24:43 – Reviews & Star Ratings

• Dave: Compelling but imperfect; worth rewatching.
• Michael: A solid 3/5 stars – eerie but flawed.
• Tarek: 3/4 stars – an experimental approach that mostly works.

⏳ 00:30:23 – Spoiler Discussion: What is The Presence Really About?

• The film’s twist ending and character revelations.
• Comparing the film’s isolation themes to The Babadook, Hereditary, and Smile.

⏳ 00:41:50 – Isolation in Horror Films (Post-2010)

• The rise of horror exploring loneliness, grief, and societal detachment.
• Films like Midsommar, Talk to Me, Alone With You, and I Saw the TV Glow.

⏳ 00:52:04 – Final Thoughts on the Family Dynamics

• Lucy Liu as the mom – how does she fit into this role?
• The dad as a "perfect but helpless" figure.

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• 🎥 Guest: Tarek Fayoumi – MoviesWithTarek.com