The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Based on true events. This is a precursor to many modern horror films, one that is often untrue, to the point where the original story is distorted beyond recognition. Emily Rose however is a very different beast to the usual slasher horrors of modern years, primarily a courtroom drama with flashbacks, this is a much more intelligent and thought provoking drama than I was expecting and as so a real treat. The story concerns itself with the case of 17 year old Emily Rose, a small American town girl who left for college only to be ‘possessed’ by demons. It then charts her gradual decline in health and attempts by the local priest (Tom Wilkinson) to cure her. The main question being, was she possessed? And was the priest responsible for negligence that caused her death? The film neatly argues both sides of the religious debate without favouring one side. Laura Linney is excellent as the sceptical defence lawyer, and the way the story takes its time to present the characters and introduce Emily’s story really draws you in and keeps you hooked. The film isn’t hugely scary, it gets it power from the impressive performances and realistic way it handles the scenes of Emily, in particular that of the exorcism itself, taken from an actual tape of the event. The way the scene builds and maintains the tension is superb and you get caught up in the ferocity and intensity of the action. Elsewhere some may find the courtroom scenes a tad long and repetitive, but I’ve always been a fan of a good courtroom drama and it keeps you interested and rooted in the characters to the end. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the film but was hooked on the film from the start, something that often doesn’t happen. However the story sometimes tries a bit too hard, and falls back on some stereotypical horror imagery such as clocks stopping and glasses breaking, but generally director Scott Derrickson keeps the scares realistic and tense and the otherworldly elements restrained, and all the scarier for it. Overall this was a pleasant surprise and a very well made and constructed movie. Not a pure horror, but a thought provoking and intense drama that makes you question your own beliefs and stays with you long after the closing credits. Recommended. A different and unusual horror film, this is an imperssive and well acted drama that presents both sides of an intriguing subject and leaves you with plenty to think about when you leave the cinema.