The Exorcism of Emily Rose

A notch better than The Exorcist, which doesn’t have even a drop of rational explanation and the viewer must believe in the supernatural, whether they like it or not. The Exorcism of Emily Rose is much more variable and tries to look at things from different perspectives. The judicial aspect cleverly helps with this in the present, allowing us to listen to alternative opinions of people not directly involved with the accused. The theme is very interesting overall and very well executed. The exorcism scenes are incredibly explosive and captivating (far surpassing The Exorcist), effectively pinning the viewer to their seat. Equally impressive are Christopher Young's musical motifs, which create a perfect nerve-wracking atmosphere. And last but not least, we have Laura Linney's performance. A serious film about a serious topic, but one that looks at it with a cool head, and that is appreciated. (25/06/2006)

Surprisingly very decent. If it weren't for the corny phrases during the "horror" passages, I would even dare to use the word authentic. It helps a lot that the point of the film is not about scares, but rather about the reconstruction of the trial with Father Moore and a rather interesting dilemma about whether to believe the facts or admit the supernatural. The atmosphere is dense, and it’s really a pity that the film tries to evoke the impression of the devil's existence in a nickel-and-dime way, without any invention. (01/04/2008)

Within the genre, this is quite an atypical, one could even say original, horror thanks to the combination of a classic theme of demonic possession with a courtroom drama, where the scriptwriter and director provocatively work with the possibility of the existence of irrational supernatural evil in our material world within the framework of the trial. Flashbacks, editing, and music help create a truly oppressive atmosphere, and the excellent cast helped create an above-average genre film. I admit that I had a bit of a problem with the irrational level embedded in our modern world when the film does not appear as a stylized horror fairy tale, but as a story from reality, due to my enlightenment and modernity as a child. Overall impression: 75%. (18/04/2009)

A fine courtroom drama with an interesting and attractive premise, from which I will only remember the absolutely brilliant ten-minute or so scene of the actual exorcism of Emily Rose. It doesn't let you breathe and becomes a clear highlight of scenes of this kind, including The Exorcist. (02/12/2005)

I love courtroom dramas and I love horror movies. And to mix a courtroom drama with exorcism horror along with the signature of one of the best horror directors, Scott Derrickson? Score one! Laura Linney is brilliant and believable as the defense attorney, and the whole story is simple but so suspenseful and engagingly delivered that you are glued to your seat from beginning to end just waiting for the final verdict. It's an atmospherically captivating film that takes place in a courtroom rather than the horror section that the film is more or less just spiced up with, but as a whole it works well and I don't have much to fault it for. (11/07/2022)