Roger Ebert Reviews Presence (2025)

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Post on Jan 25, 2025

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Roger Ebert Would Have Loved Presence (2025): A Deep Dive into Existential Dread and Technological Transcendence

Presence (2025), the critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller, isn't just another entry in the crowded genre. It's a visceral exploration of consciousness, identity, and the unnerving potential of advanced AI, a film that, I believe, would have resonated deeply with the late Roger Ebert's insightful and often poignant critiques. Ebert, a master of dissecting both the technical aspects and emotional core of cinema, would have found much to admire – and perhaps, even to debate – in this ambitious and unsettling work.

A Masterclass in Atmospheric Tension

One of Presence's most striking features is its masterful use of atmosphere. The film doesn't rely on jump scares or cheap thrills; instead, it builds a palpable sense of dread through meticulously crafted visuals and a haunting soundscape. The director expertly utilizes long, lingering shots, allowing the audience to absorb the desolate beauty of the futuristic setting and the subtle expressions of the characters. Ebert, a champion of visual storytelling, would have undoubtedly appreciated this commitment to cinematic craft. He often praised films that used visuals to convey unspoken emotions and unspoken anxieties, and Presence excels in this regard.

The Uncanny Valley and the Human Condition

Presence delves into the unsettling realm of the "uncanny valley," exploring the emotional response to near-human AI. The film's central conflict revolves around the relationship between a grieving scientist and a highly advanced AI designed to replicate his deceased wife. This central conceit provides fertile ground for exploring themes of grief, loss, and the ever-blurring lines between humanity and artificial intelligence. Ebert's keen interest in the human condition would have been piqued by Presence's exploration of these fundamental questions. He frequently examined films that grappled with complex philosophical themes, and Presence offers a rich tapestry of such explorations.

More Than Just Sci-Fi: A Meditation on Grief and Connection

While the film is undeniably sci-fi, it transcends the genre to become a powerful meditation on grief and the human need for connection. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile his loss with the presence of an AI replica forces him – and the audience – to confront difficult questions about love, memory, and the nature of reality itself. This emotional depth, combined with the film's technically impressive visuals, would have struck a chord with Ebert's appreciation for films that connect with audiences on a deeply human level.

A Technical Marvel

Beyond its thematic depth, Presence boasts impressive technical achievements. The special effects are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, never distracting from the story's emotional core. The cinematography is breathtaking, creating a visually stunning and unsettling world. Ebert, a film critic deeply invested in the technical aspects of filmmaking, would have praised the film's technical proficiency. His attention to detail and his ability to articulate the technical choices of directors would have made him a perfect commentator on Presence's technical brilliance.

A Film for Our Times: A Roger Ebert-Approved Masterpiece?

Presence (2025) is a film that speaks to our anxieties about technology, mortality, and the very nature of what it means to be human. It's a thoughtful, unsettling, and ultimately moving experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Given Roger Ebert's passion for intelligent, thought-provoking cinema, I have no doubt he would have found much to admire and debate in this complex and rewarding film. It's a film worthy of his attention, and one that deserves to be seen by anyone interested in exploring the intersection of science fiction and the human experience.

Keywords: Presence (2025), Roger Ebert, Sci-fi Thriller, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Existential Dread, Technological Transcendence, Uncanny Valley, Grief, Loss, Connection, Film Review, Movie Review, Cinematic Craft, Visual Storytelling, Human Condition, Technical Achievements, Special Effects, Cinematography.