Steven Soderbergh returns once again with a new experimental venture in filmmaking but this time within the horror genre, with his new film Presence. A dysfunctional family move into a new suburban home and feel there is something or someone lurking within. This is his most unique film yet with it being completely shot in the First Person Perspective following the family for the entire runtime.
To get a better understanding of what Presence has to offer, we got to speak with the lead actors of the film, Callina Liang, Eddy Maday and West Mulholland. We get to talk about their experience on set, working with Lucy Liu and which horror films inspire them. Check it out down below!
Raks (THH): So, I’d firstly like to ask, with the film being filmed solely in one location for, I believe, around three weeks, how did that develop your family and friend dynamics, but also develop the chemistry on set between all of you guys?
Eddy Maday: Yeah, I think a lot of the time it felt like we were kind of this big family. We lived together in the hotels for a lot of it. And I think because of also the time it took place, it felt very much like this is what everyone’s focus was on. In such a way that I feel like it felt very intimate, not only in the house, because we did do everything on location in that same house, but also between us as a cast and on screen as well.
Callina Liang: Yeah, and I feel like because we spent so much time in the house too, it gave us that opportunity as actors to connect with the space and see how the presence is gonna weave in and out and how we’re gonna weave in and out and for my character, Chloe, her bedroom is a very sacred place for her and I think the set designers did an amazing job and because of how much time I spent there, it actually became like a daily ritual for me to go into my room, sit in the corner over there, journal and like that was like my way of stepping into my Chloe shoes, so that was really cool as well, having that one location to connect with.
West Mulholland: I mean, offset, I just think these people are the best. They’re so funny and so kind. And in a way, you know, when you’re doing these very intense and intimate scenes in a horror film, that amount of trust that you need to have with the other actors is only, you know, supported and benefits from us becoming so close offset. It really reflects in our performances, although, you know, not directly. We’re all laughing offset and then maybe having screaming on Um, and so, you know in order for us to sort of get there. I think that trust and that bond Really needs to be set in place. I’m so thankful for these two.
Raks (THH): Love that And I’ve got some quick fire questions
What was the last horror film that you watched that actually made you scared?
West Mulholland: The Substance!
Raks (THH): Oh, that’s a good film.
Callina Liang: The Substance!
Eddy Maday: Heretic!
Raks (THH): Ooh. And what’s your favourite horror film?
West Mulholland: 1979 Aliens. Or Alien, Alien.
Eddy Maday: I think maybe Parasite. Probably my favourite.
Raks (THH): Ooh, that’s a good one, that’s a good one.
Callina Liang: I think The Blair Witch Project.
Raks (THH): Love that. That’s a classic. And do you believe in ghosts and spirits?
Callina Liang: Yes.
West Mulholland: Yes.
Eddy Maday: Sometimes haha.
Raks (THH): And so you worked with the acting icon Lucy Liu in this film. How was it working with Lucy and did she teach you anything for your own acting careers as well?
Eddy Maday: Like so many things. Yeah, do you (Callina Liang) want to answer that one?
Callina Liang: I mean, yeah, working with Lucy was like a dream come true. But I mean, seeing the way she works, but also being able to work and collaborate with her, like we did a lot of rehearsals together as a family, you know, in our own time on Zoom. And it was really inspiring to see the ideas that she would come up with, you know, simple things like, guys, we should make sure our dialogues overlap because the camera’s not going to change places, you know? Tips like that, I wouldn’t have thought of myself, but of course, Lucy thought of it.
West Mulholland: She’s such a kind, one of the kindest people I’ve ever met in my entire life. And so just being able to go into the scene and not being like, oh my gosh, it’s Lucy Liu, the legend. Just like, oh my gosh, it’s Lucy, the kindest person to exist, was just so welcoming and wonderful.
Raks (THH): I believe my time is up, but it was lovely speaking to you guys, and I wish you the best on this film, and you did a great job.
Eddy Maday, Callina Liang, West Mulholland: Thank you so much. Have a wonderful day. Have a good day.
Raks (THH): Thank you so much.
Presence is out now in theaters.
Interview Conducted by Raks. Transcript Written by Raks
