Movie Review Sample - The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Movie Review – The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose is based on a true story of a German student named Anneliese Michel, who believed she was possessed by demons. In 1976 her death during an exorcism resulted in outrage and the eventual conviction of two priests who were charged with negligent manslaughter.

The film begins at quite a slow pace, focusing on a young girl called Emily Rose; who once was the perfect daughter and a dedicated university student until the day of her apparent possession by demons while away at university.
We follow the journey of Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson) as the priest who performed the exorcism and witness his determination to tell Emily Rose’s story, despite being faced with charges of neglect and being held responsible for her death.
The part of Emily herself is played by Jennifer Carpenter, who delivers a startlingly realistic and utterly terrifying portrayal of someone suffering a great deal of emotional and physical torment. She has the part nailed as even her facial expressions are enough to actually scare you senseless at times!

I particularly liked the way that the story was told with various viewpoints in mind, was Emily crazy? Did she have severe epilepsy? Or was she as Father Moore claims, possessed by demons. All sides of the story are shown, with the film taking place in a dramatic courtroom setting.
You are encouraged as the viewer in a very subtle way to question your own beliefs without feeling as if anyone is pushing religion in your face. Laura Linney plays the agnostic and at first extremely sceptical defence attorney who is fighting to clear father Moore’s name and helping him to fulfil his promise to Emily and tell her story to the world. She delivers a strong performance which compliments and flows well with the other actor’s talents.

This film is a must watch for any horror fan, with its sometimes obvious and blatant comparisons to 1973 classic ‘The Exorcist’ the exorcism of Emily Rose is a truly frightening and an amazingly compelling film.

The Exorcism Of Emily Rose:
Rated - 15
Starring: -
Laura Linney
Tom Wilkinson
Campbell Scott
Jennifer Carpenter