The film does have some strong points, but concludes in a fatally flawed ending. The cinematography and scenery were beautiful. However, the characters' relationship remains quite 'cold' and fraught. Thus, it can hardly qualify to be called romantic. It was, instead, a small scale exploration of how a woman with psychological trauma deals with the possibilities of a new relationship. On that count, it did quite well. The unknown nature of the apparition also played well through the first half of the film until it ended in a Faustian twist. Unfortunately, the film went downhill from there. There was no more suspense to sustain the viewer's interest. But worst of all is the Deus ex Machina ending. It left me feeling cheated and provides no sense of resolution. Is the filmmaker trying to say that the only path to healing is through a divine intervention? Are we nothing but playthings of higher powers or film auteurs?
Review of The Presence
