The Presence

The Presence (2010) is a new ghost story starring Mira Sorvino, Shane West and Justin Kirk.  It takes place on a secluded island in Oregon.  The woman played by Mira Sorvino, returns to her family's rustic cabin to get away and work on some writing.  Little does she know that she isn't the only one there.  The ghost is always there, observing her.  He doesn't look like the usual transparent ghost, he looks flesh and blood but she can't see him.

This is a really unusual film as for the first third of the movie there is no dialog - just atmosphere, music and silence.  The cabin is so rustic there is no electricity so the lighting is from candle and lantern light.  The setting is spectacular in atmosphere:  dark secluded woods, foggy mountains and lake.  It's not until her boyfriend shows up that there is any dialog.

Well into the film a second ghost suddenly shows itself and this one whispers things into the woman's and man's ears trying to cause deep seated problems to come to the surface and cause their relationship harm.  The intro of the 2nd ghost was a bit strange at first but in the end fit well with the story.

The Presence is a really unique ghost story.  Filled with atmosphere and psychological thrills, it's a quiet ghost story that I haven't seen the likes of before.