The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Starring: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott, Colm Feore
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Horror, Drama
Box Office: $
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: After a failed exorcism, Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is charged with the girl's death. His only hope rests with an ambitious lawyer (Laura Linney), whom is not wholly convinced he is innocent. As the two fight the charges, they begin to believe something sinister did indeed happen to the girl, and may not be finished yet.

Review:

Tim: This is one of the finest made and most effective horror films of the last few years. To be fair, this movie is more of a courtroom drama than a horror film, although it is quite frightening at times. However, what sets this film apart is precisely that it is more of a legal movie. When was the last time you saw a courtroom horror movie? It is much more powerful than you would imagine.

Laura Linney is amazing as a lawyer trying to defend a priest she believes to be innocent. We see the story through her eyes, and she wins us over with every extraordinary moment she's on screen. At first, I wasn;t sure that Tom Wilkinson was the best choice for the role of the pries, but he gives a powerful and convincing performance.

There are some truly great scenes in the film. The flashback of the attempted exorcism is something to behold. The ritual can often appear silly or laughable if not done right. The one here is about as good as you can expect- it is believable, not too over-the-top, and chillingly memorable. It is not quite up to the level of the one in The Exorcist, but it ranks up there.

The courtroom scenes are equally as strong. Here, the drama increases to a near boiling point. The arguments intensify and the back and forth between the defense and the prosecution is superb. The whole trial unfolds brilliantly and every scene builds upon the last.

I am amazed that The Exorcism of Emily Rose is both a top notch courtroom drama and an extremely well made horror film. You can't find a better marriage of two different types of films. No matter what types of movies you like or don't like, give this film a shot because it will not disappoint.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Exorcist, Exorcist: The Beginning, Poltergeist, Exorcist II: The Herectic, The Exorcist III