Sundance 2024: Steven Soderbergh’s Horror Film Scares Off Audiences
Sundance 2024: Steven Soderbergh’s Horror Film Scares Off Audiences – It seems that we are facing one of the most terrifying films of the year.
By Megan Sauer
Sundance 2024 has arrived and with it an incredible dose of cinema that will fill its most passionate fans with emotion. One of the great premieres of this edition is Presence, Steven Soderbergh ‘s new horror film.
New reports indicate that the screening has so terrified viewers that some have been forced to leave the theater for the sake of their mental health.
It seems that we are facing one of the great horrors of the year ahead, will we see it go even further in its global distribution?
Presence presents the story of the Payne family, whose members must face multiple problems on a daily basis, including a paranormal being whose nature they still do not know.
One of its stars is the talented Lucy Liu, who spoke to Variety about the terror she felt upon witnessing the screening: “I’m just devastated. “My body is having reactions like it’s not in the movie.”
According to the report, Presence viewers looked clearly tense during the screening, with several of them leaving the room; one of them stated the following: “He can’t tolerate this stress so late at night.”
The film was shot in three weeks and at the moment there is no release date in theaters or on any streaming platform, as big releases at festivals tend to do lately.
A talent without equal
Steven Soderbergh ‘s career is extraordinarily versatile and notable in the film industry. He shot to fame with his directorial debut, Sex, Lies and Video, which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and established Soderbergh as a promising filmmaker.
Throughout his career, he has explored various genres, from drama to thriller and comedy. His filmography includes acclaimed films such as Traffic, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Director, and The Big Scam, part of the successful heist trilogy.
His ability to experiment with narrative styles and visual formats is also evident in projects such as Erin Brockovich and Magic Mike: The Last Dance.
Soderbergh has also been recognized for his ability to take on multiple roles in film production, such as cinematography and editing. Late in his career, Soderbergh has ventured into the world of television, contributing as director and executive producer to series such as The Knick and Behind the Candelabra.
His eclectic approach and his ability to combine commercial success with more experimental projects have cemented his position as one of the most influential and respected filmmakers in the entertainment industry.
The Sundance Film Festival, founded in 1978, has played a crucial role in the film industry by providing a unique platform for independent films and emerging voices in the world of cinema.
Held annually in Park City, Utah, Sundance has become a springboard for independent filmmakers, offering an international showcase where their works can be discovered and appreciated.
Many films that debut at Sundance have achieved significant success at subsequent festivals as well as in commercial distribution, catapulting directors, screenwriters and actors to prominence on the global film scene.
Additionally, the Sundance Film Festival has been a pioneer in promoting diverse and original narratives, opening space for stories that often do not find a place in mainstream film channels.
The festival has influenced the industry by underscoring the importance of creativity and authenticity in filmmaking, paving the way for the recognition of independent films at major awards and redefining standards for quality and success in contemporary filmmaking.
Sundance has cemented its position as an essential beacon for independent cinema and has contributed significantly to the diversity and vitality of the global film landscape.