Steven Soderbergh‘s unique haunted house film Presence, a genre-defying thriller told through a first-person perspective, is now streaming after its earlier theatrical release in January 2025. The film, written by David Koepp, is being celebrated by film critics and now makes its home debut on Hulu, giving audiences a chance to experience its inventive storytelling style without leaving the living room.
Praised for its unusual approach to the ghost story format, Presence places viewers inside the mind of a mysterious entity haunting a suburban house. This creative storytelling technique adds sharp intensity and vulnerability, drawing viewers into an immersive, suspenseful atmosphere as the film unravels.
An Unconventional Take on the Haunted House Genre
Presence chronicles the experiences of the Payne family—Rebekah (Lucy Liu), Chris (Chris Sullivan), Tyler (Eddy Maday), and Chloe (Callina Liang)—as they move into a new suburban home. Even though they seem to be an ideal family, underlying issues begin surfacing. From the start, unexplainable supernatural phenomena disturb their daily lives, prompting both audiences and characters to question the nature and motivation of the unseen presence in their home.
The film stands out in the haunted house genre by using a first-person viewpoint to channel the perspective of the entity. According to Mashable’s Kristy Puchko, the director’s execution results in a story that is
“sharply funny, beguiling, a bit chilling, and ultimately sweet,”
—Kristy Puchko, Mashable Film Editor. The unique camera work allows audiences to
“practically feel the expressions of a face you cannot see,”
—Kristy Puchko, Mashable Film Editor, creating a blend of suspense and emotional resonance not commonly found in typical horror movies.
Amid the film’s twists and tension, the story maintains a constant sense of unpredictability and emotional depth, with each member of the Payne family reacting differently to the mysterious disturbances. The dialogue between the extraordinary perspective and ordinary domestic life has contributed to the film’s strong critic reception.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Responses
Presence has been celebrated mainly for the direction of Steven Soderbergh and the execution of its concept. Critics like Puchko describe it as
“a remarkable union of a clever concept and a superb execution,”
—Kristy Puchko, Mashable Film Editor, and some expect it to be recognized during the next Oscar nominations for its technical and cinematic achievements. The film’s first-person narrative and atmospheric suspense deliver an intense viewing experience. As actor Chris Sullivan shares,
“This movie is going to wring you out before it releases any of that tension.”
—Chris Sullivan, Actor. He noted that the film’s relentless suspense was so intense that some viewers left the theater before the end.
For those who appreciate high-tension thrillers, Puchko also calls it
“a sublimely realized ghost story that is easily one of the best films of the year.”
—Kristy Puchko, Mashable Film Editor. Presence holds an 87 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a strong positive response from reviewers. However, audience reactions are more divided, with a current score of 52 percent from general viewers, showing the film‘s risk-taking style is not for everyone.
Options for Watching ‘Presence’ at Home
After hitting theaters at the start of 2025, Presence quickly moved to digital platforms, expanding access for fans interested in haunted house stories or Soderbergh’s unconventional cinematic experiments. Now, with its streaming debut, viewers can choose from several methods to watch from home: buy, rent on major video-on-demand platforms, or stream using a subscription service.
How to Purchase or Rent ‘Presence’ Digitally
For those who want to own the film or enjoy a one-time viewing, Presence can be purchased or rented on major digital video-on-demand retailers. Since February 25, the film has been available for home viewing on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango at Home. Digital purchase is offered at $19.99, while rental costs $5.99, with rentals granting 48 hours to finish the movie once started. The movie’s availability on multiple platforms ensures easy access for fans eager to experience the acclaimed thriller from Soderbergh and Koepp.
Buying or renting via Prime Video, Google Play, Fandango at Home, or Apple TV provides flexibility for viewers who may not have a streaming subscription or prefer to curate their digital collection.
Streaming ‘Presence’ on Hulu
Presence officially joined Hulu’s streaming catalog on June 3, 2025, offering another convenient viewing option for subscribers. Hulu’s plans start at $9.99 per month, and several cost-saving deals are available for those interested in accessing Presence along with the rest of Hulu’s film library. Subscribers can watch Soderbergh’s haunting film alongside other new releases and classics.
Best Hulu Deals for Accessing ‘Presence’
For viewers considering a Hulu subscription to stream Steven Soderbergh’s unique haunted house film Presence, there are a number of deals to reduce monthly or yearly costs. Opting for an annual plan with ads is the most cost-effective strategy for most people, bringing the cost to $99.99 for a year, which averages $8.33 per month—a savings of nearly $20 annually compared to the regular monthly rate.
Another popular option is bundling Hulu with Disney+ through the Disney Duo Basic bundle for $10.99 per month, which adds Disney+ streaming for only one dollar more and saves about 45 percent compared to separate subscriptions. There is also the possibility of including Max, Disney+, and Hulu for $16.99 monthly, decreasing the combined price by approximately 44 percent.
Students are eligible for a remarkable discount through Hulu Student, where verified college students pay just $1.99 per month for a plan with ads, marking an 80 percent savings. To access this rate, students must sign up via the Hulu Student promotional page and verify enrollment with a college email address via SheerID.
T-Mobile customers with qualifying plans, such as Go5G Next or Experience Beyond, enjoy the added benefit of Hulu included at no extra charge. These plans also offer free access to Netflix and Apple TV+, maximizing entertainment value for subscribers. Eligible customers can activate Hulu by redeeming the deal through T-Mobile’s promotional offer page.
Impact and What Lies Ahead for Soderbergh’s ‘Presence’
The release of Presence to streaming platforms makes one of 2025’s most innovative thrillers widely accessible, ensuring Soderbergh’s experimental haunted house story reaches viewers across diverse platforms and viewing habits. Its unique narrative approach, critical success, and unconventional delivery suggest it will continue to spark discussion among both film specialists and general audiences. Whether it continues earning awards and broadening its fan base will largely depend on how future viewers respond to its intense, boundary-pushing style and perspective-shifting storyline.
