‘I Lived With a Ghost!’ Callina Liang’s Paranormal Past Comes Full Circle in Steven Soderbergh’s Presence

Steven Soderbergh’s latest psychological thriller, Presence, is already generating buzz with its unique approach to storytelling and cinematography. The film, which takes audiences inside a haunted house from the ghost’s perspective, features a talented cast including Callina Liang, Eddy Maday, and West Mulholland.

In an exclusive interview with Where Is The Buzz, the trio opened up about their experiences on set, their personal beliefs in the supernatural, and the challenges of working with Soderbergh’s intricate filming style.

Would They Stay or Would They Run?

One of the biggest questions that came up during the interview was how each actor would react if faced with a real-life haunting similar to the events in Presence.

Eddy Maday admitted he’d probably be skeptical at first but wouldn’t rule out the possibility of something supernatural. “Honestly, I think the way it starts is much more subtle—the presence kind of interacts with the house in small ways at first, and not everyone sees it. I’d definitely question if it was real or not,” he explained. “But once it made itself known to everyone, I think I’d freak out a little bit.”

Callina Liang had a more personal take, revealing that she had already experienced paranormal activity during her first year of university. “I’ve lived with a ghost before,” she shared. “So, I think I’d be intrigued rather than scared. I believe in spirits, and that experience definitely made me more open to the unknown. But if it turns evil? Yeah, I’m out.”

On the other hand, West Mulholland took a more practical approach. “Nope. I’m not sticking around for that,” he laughed. “I’d be sleeping at a friend’s house or even in my car—anywhere but in that haunted place!”

Personal Experiences That Shaped Their Performances

For Liang, her past encounter with the supernatural actually influenced her performance in Presence, where she plays Chloe—a character who, unlike the rest of her family, is fascinated by the ghostly entity. “Chloe’s intrigue with the presence really resonated with me,” Liang explained. “She’s lonely and feels neglected, so she’s drawn to it. It’s the only thing that’s really paying attention to her. That emotional connection made it easier to tap into my own experiences.”

Maday and Mulholland, meanwhile, approached their roles with a mix of skepticism and fear, adding depth to their characters’ evolving reactions to the haunting.

The Challenge of Soderbergh’s Unique Cinematic Vision

One of the most fascinating aspects of Presence is the film’s distinctive visual style—Soderbergh himself operated the camera, which acted as the ghostly presence lurking within the house. This meant that the actors had to adjust their performances to accommodate the constant movement and intimate framing.

Mulholland described the experience as “a dance” with the camera. “It felt like those awkward moments when your friend takes really bad pictures of you up close,” he joked. “But in this case, it was all intentional. We had to be very aware of our movements to avoid bumping into Steven, who was right there with us in every scene.”

Liang added that the camera became another character in the film, requiring coordination from everyone involved. “It was literally all of us and the camera, working together to create this atmosphere,” she said. “Everything was choreographed to a degree, but we also had the freedom to explore within that structure.”

Maday highlighted the trust they placed in Soderbergh’s creative vision. “He’s trying something that hasn’t really been done before, and that’s exciting. We knew he’d make it work in a way that felt fresh and innovative.”

One-Take Magic and Unpredictable Moments

A major challenge—and thrill—of working on Presence was the fact that much of the film was shot in single takes. This allowed for an organic, immersive feel but also meant the actors had to stay on their toes.

“Every take was an opportunity to try something new,” said Liang. “We didn’t have to worry about continuity, so we could really explore different ways to react and interact with the presence.”

Mulholland agreed, adding, “Once we got in sync, it was like magic. The tension felt real, and that made the performances even more believable.”

Fan Reactions and What’s Next

With Presence having premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, anticipation for the film’s wide release on January 24, 2025, is steadily building. Critics have praised the film’s innovative approach, with Vulture calling it “the best thing Soderbergh’s done in ages.” Fans are eager to see how the unique storytelling and eerie atmosphere come together on the big screen.

When asked about audience reactions, Liang expressed excitement. “I can’t wait to see how people interpret it. Everyone will have their own take on what the presence represents, and that’s what makes it so interesting.”

Maday added, “It’s one of those films that stays with you. People are going to be talking about it long after they leave the theater.”

Presence is shaping up to be a must-see psychological thriller that blends supernatural horror with deep emotional themes. With an innovative filming style, a compelling cast, and Soderbergh’s signature storytelling, this film is sure to leave audiences haunted in the best way possible.

Watch Callina Liang, Eddy Maday & West Mulholland Full Interview Below!