The Presence and Whispering Evil into Mortals' Ears: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a screener of this film was provided by Lionsgate.

Director/writer: Tom Provost.

Tagline: "Don't believe everything your hear."

Lionsgate is distributing Tom Provost's The Presence on DVD today and appropriately, here is a review on this, sometimes romantic, thriller.The Presence stars Mira Sovino as "The Woman." She vacations to a nearby cabin to deal with some emotional pain. Here, there is only more suffering with a duo of ghosts tormenting her at various points in the film. "The Man" is played by Justin Kirk in a somewhat awkward style. Other film messages might also seem awkward. The film is really centered on some elements of Christian mythos including temptation to sin, the Devil and reaching a higher power through good deeds. Other viewers might find something different in theme, but this was the central message seen by this reviewer.

One could also say that the spiritual plane is having a lot more influence on people and characters in their daily lives as suggested by a few scenes in Provost's film. There is usually a ghost nearby whispering in some unwary mortal's ear. The first to be manipulated is Sorvino's character whose behaviour changes from charming to she-devil in the blink of an eye. Someone is swaying her to evil. The boyfriend is also seduced by false words when he shows up at the isolated and haunted cabin. Both of these characters are played against each other, until a higher power intervenes. Then, the mortals are free to antagonize each other without the interference of those above and below them.

"The Man in Black" is played well by Tony Curran (The Veteran). He has been tasked to kill foolish do-gooders by the devil. "The Man in Black" does not limit himself to seducing or torturing the physical, which leads him to a lonely ghost played by Shane West. He promises this mute apparition powers beyond his dreams, but these enhancements come with a price and a task. He must murder the boyfriend. Thus, this haunting spirit is tasked with a moral decision to do right or to do wrong.

John Wilmot the Second Earl of Rochester would task all of the characters to debaucherous ruin; however, this is not 17th Century England. Instead, this is a Christian styled allegory. Instead of boozing and womanizing, the ghost must fight off the Devil's presence (see how the title was incorporated there?). Unfortunately, too much of the action occurs off screen to save the film's budget from eternal damnation and evaporation. Yet, the final shot shows how another demonic spirit is tempting one other minor character. Humans are such a powerless species, as the film would tell viewers.

There are some excellent film elements within Provost's story including some gorgeous scenery. Oregon's beauty is truly something remarkable with Colin Brink's scenic choices highlighting this state's beauty. As well, Conrad Pope's score is often changing, while keeping the viewer off balance and in the dark as to what will happen next. Finally, the characters in the film are superbly handled, which was an intentional strategy undertaken by Provost to entice Academy Award winner Sorvino and others to his little film: "in order to attract the desired top-notch talent he wrote the best roles that he possibly could." All of these elements combine for a highly enjoyable film.

Photography/composition: 8 (great long and close shots).
Editing/pacing/continuity: 7 (the film moves along at a strong pace, with the film broken into two separate parts).

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (recommended and enjoyed).

The Presence reviewed at the Daily News:

The Presence Reviewed at the Daily News


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