The Presence (2010)

A woman goes to the remote cabin she knew as a child, The cabin has a 'Presence' who just stands around with an expression on his face that suggest he has severe constipation. The woman's boyfriend turns up. An evil "Presence" turns up and tries to be threatening but fails. Later on an angelic 'Presence' turns up. It is basically a slow and rather dull ghost story that doesn't make much sense. Nothing is ever explained. (the suicidal birds for one thing) and it is sad to see the movie relying on the hackneyed use of doors banging to try and give a scare. The music score is over emphatic to a ridiculous degree. Slightly redeeming the film is the pretty cinematography and Mira Sorvino, though even a gifted actor like her can't overcome the poor scripting.

I wouldn't say I put tons of weight on other people's reviews but I will if the issue is consistent. When this came on this afternoon, it sounded interesting but I came here and the negative comments made it sound as if it would not be a movie I'd like while the positive weren't really helpful--for me.So, I don't know how helpful this will be but I'm so glad I didn't listen to the negatives. Was it a slow start. Yes. Was it "quiet" for 15-20 minutes? Yes. Was it a bad movie? Not even close.If you are looking for movies with lots of action, gore and in your face scares, this isn't for you. I happen to like both and this one delivered in terms of spooky but not the in your face kind. It's a story about a woman's growth past what happened to her as a child--something I can relate to. The betrayal of someone she loved and trusted and how does one get past that? Not easily. It was also a story of forgiveness and I believe the ghost was who many people believe it was; otherwise, why would he have asked for her forgiveness? Certainly the other suggested identification would have had no reason to ask for forgiveness--he didn't know her.The movie had some chills but that really wasn't the movie. If you want a tender story with your chills, by all means, check it out. If that doesn't appeal to you, I would recommend you not--you'll not like it. But for me, I will watch and enjoy this one again.

The film does have some strong points, but concludes in a fatally flawed ending. The cinematography and scenery were beautiful. However, the characters' relationship remains quite 'cold' and fraught. Thus, it can hardly qualify to be called romantic. It was, instead, a small scale exploration of how a woman with psychological trauma deals with the possibilities of a new relationship. On that count, it did quite well. The unknown nature of the apparition also played well through the first half of the film until it ended in a Faustian twist. Unfortunately, the film went downhill from there. There was no more suspense to sustain the viewer's interest. But worst of all is the Deus ex Machina ending. It left me feeling cheated and provides no sense of resolution. Is the filmmaker trying to say that the only path to healing is through a divine intervention? Are we nothing but playthings of higher powers or film auteurs?

I think that the storyline is an interesting take on the phenomenon of haunting and possession. It's underlying suggestion that possession is a more subtle phenomenon in contrast to the head-banging and vein-exploding stereotypes shown in most horror movies, is more believable. Tony Curren's portrayal of a 'dark angel' is very impressive and Shane West does a superb work of displaying subtle shades of evil, melancholy, frustration, loneliness and grief without uttering a single word. My favourite is the opening scene in which the concept of the 'Presence' is conveyed with a terrifying stillness. This movie reminded me of another refreshingly different horror movie starring Nicole Kidman, called 'The Others'.