The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Starring Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Jennifer Carpenter, Campbell Scott

Directed by Scott Derrickson

The Story:
Young Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter) is dead.  Was it the result of demonic possession, or did she suffer from a curable disease, but opted to not take the treatment because she thought she was possessed?  That's the question on the line for lawyer Erin Bruner (Laura Linney), who is tasked to defend Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson), who stands accused of murder after a botched exorcism left Emily Rose dead.  It's faith versus medicine, belief versus facts.  Through flashbacks, we witness Emily's troubles and what happened that fateful night of the exorcism.

The Synopsis:
"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is based on the true story of a German girl named Anneliese Michel who, in 1968, suffered from what appeared to be a possession.  She dies after an extensive exorcism, and her parents and priests go on trial for negligent homicide.  Thus is the basis for "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," transferring the German events to America, and setting it in the modern time.  Much like the real event, a priest is put on trial for the possible negligent homicide of the young girl.

Typically a horror movie doesn't also include a courtroom drama, so we get a two-for-one deal with "Emily Rose," and both are equally compelling.  The story is intriguing as it doesn't fully assess Emily Rose's condition as either medical or spiritual, and leaves it open for the moviegoer's interpretation.  In flashback scenes, we see the struggles Emily goes through as people for the defense of the priest talk, but then we see them again through the eyes of the prosecution, this time in a wholly different light, fully explained by medical science.  That's not to say the flashbacks aren't terrifying - they truly are - but it doesn't fully suggest either way what happened to her.  In other terms, it's a smart horror film that provides a deep message and dares the viewers to make their own assumptions.

When it comes to the courtroom drama, it's on the level of a "Law & Order" episode.  It's typical, as the prosecution and defense go toe-to-toe in order to sway the jury, but the film provides its own twist in who is defending what side.  Laura Linney's Erin Bruner is defending Father Moore, and she is a devout agnostic - she doesn't believe in things she can't see, yet she's defending a man who's entire defense is centered around that.  Ethan Thomas (played by Campbell Scott) is an avid churchgoer who believes in everything Father Moore does - but he's on the prosecution, looking to prosecute Father Moore and make the jury think all the supposed spiritual events are based on science and medicine.

As the trial commences, Father Moore warns Erin that the dark forces are involved in the case, and could come after her.  This is the weakest part of the film, as we see Erin at home and, at 3 am every night, begins to experience unexplained occurrences.  It doesn't really go anywhere farther than that, and only seems to serve as a way Father Moore was correct.  Still, Linney gives a great performance, as does Tom Wilkinson, both veteran, professional actors.

However, the true star of the show is Jennifer Carpenter, who was a relative unknown at the time of the film's release.  She was chosen as Emily Rose due to her inhuman ability to contort her body in so many grotesque ways, which left the director without having to use CGI or effects for her terrifying scenes.  The girl goes through literal hell in the film, her body constricting to insane poses, and even causes herself to become so stiff the other actors pick her up like a statue.  Besides her amazing body ability, she gives a chill-inducing performance, especially during the exorcism scene.  I've seen the film several times, and it still gives me chills.

To me, this is one of the best exorcism films since "The Exorcist," and could go down in history as my generation's "Exorcist."  It's got a thought-provoking story, tremendous acting, and truly terrifying moments that swell to a conclusion that isn't as cut-and-dry as we think, coming down to the final verdict.

The Summary:
Faith vs. facts, belief vs. reality.  "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" doesn't offer a solution to either debate, but riles up the need for such debate.

The Score: A+