Directed by:
Scott DerricksonCinematography:
Tom SternComposer:
Christopher YoungCast:
Laura Linney, Campbell Scott, Tom Wilkinson, Jennifer Carpenter, Joshua Close, Colm Feore, Kenneth Welsh, Duncan Fraser, JR Bourne, Mary Beth Hurt (more)VOD (1)
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Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter) was an average teenage girl who was the target of terrifying demonic forces that would ultimately shock a town and torment her soul. But was she, as many believed, possessed? In an attempt to clear the clergyman (Tom Wilkinson) who exorcised Emily, a sceptical attorney (Laura Linney) awakens to the discovery that powerful spiritual forces may actually exist. This harrowing film unfolds like a recurring nightmare from which there is no waking. (Shock Entertainment)
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Reviews (12)
The Exorcism of Emily Rose serves up proper portions of impressive chills, for which – as in The Grudge – composer Christopher Young deserves a lot of credit. However, these very effective elements of modern horror are overshadowed by a courtroom drama that begs to be handled more intelligently and in a more dignified manner. The theme, which elevates the film above the current crowd of mediocre horror movies, is used only superficially by the filmmakers, who thus miss the mark. In comparison with Friedkin’s The Exorcist, this film is merely a skillfully shot diversion based on a mediocre screenplay.
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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.
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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.
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My skepticism towards the easily outdated topic disappeared when Laura Linney first appeared and the seemingly unbelievable intention to connect a courtroom drama with a horror movie started to fit into the presented concept naturally and simply. When the courtroom storyline becomes too straightforward, we are given a compelling insert of the twisting Jennifer Carpenter; when similar scenes exceed the limits of tolerability, we return to another hearing. Moreover, the formula "based on true events" works reliably this time as well, and during this brisk, but above all, unpredictable film, theological and philosophical dilemmas were running through my mind non-stop. So mainly for that, not to mention the long-awaited climax in court, I must give The Exorcism of Emily Rose a big salute.
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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.
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