NEW IN THEATERS: The Exorcism of Emily Rose

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (2005)

My Rating: **** (out of *****)
Starring: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Jennifer Carpenter, Campbell Scott, Mary Beth Hurt, Colm Feore
Director: Scott Derrickson

My Review:

In what has to be one of the most terrifying, gut-wrenching depictions of demonic possession ever put on film, The Exorcism of Emily Rose comes onto the scene with several distinctions that set it apart from (and far above) most of its peers in the oversaturated horror market. As helmed by Scott Derrickson (a director who is upfront about his Christian faith), and co-written by him from a story that is based upon actual events, Emily presents itself as a relentlessly gripping hybrid of character-driven courtroom drama and shockingly realistic demonic-possession horror.

Eerie long shots of bleak environments and commonplace items are used to convey the story of Father Moore, a Catholic priest on trial for the "negligent homicide" of a young college student, Emily Rose. Apparently, Emily believed herself to be demonically possessed. She sought Father Moore for assistance. His efforts to rid Emily of her tormentors led ultimately to a botched exorcism in which the girl died. The Archdiocese elicits the services of defense attorney Erin Bruner (interestingly, a self-proclaimed agnostic) to handle the case.

The mysterious and distressing case of Emily Rose unfolds mostly in flashbacks as Erin gathers details and prepares testimony with Father Moore. Linney and Wilkinson are two extremely talented actors, and they make what could have been a collection of tedious law-and-order cliches into genuinely compelling drama.

Horror films aren't usually known for their literate dialogue or thought-provoking insights, but Emily Rose takes us deeper with an uncommon (and welcome) array of colors, shades, and nuance. For example, the prosecuting attorney (an effective Campbell Scott) happens to be a devout believer, but he is fiercely committed to keeping Emily Rose's trial on firm terrestrial ground. Also, many points of view concerning the natural and supernatural are explored fairly and openly, and a collection of sophisticated subtleties (the barbed wire drippping blood is unforgettable) gives viewers plenty of room to draw their own conclusions.

A word of warning: The Exorcism of Emily Rose, while avoiding sensationalism and excessive displays, is an extremely disturbing film. The depictions of demonic possession are horrifying, devastating, and real enough to make your blood run cold, even though there are few special effects and almost no scenes with gore. Emily Rose's descent into spiritual bondage is also grueling to watch because young Jennifer Carpenter (in an astonishing physical performance) is so sweet and engaging in her few "normal" scenes that the sheer terror and bewildering agony of her situation literally rends tears from the viewer. The PG-13 rating notwithstanding, this is NOT a film for children of any age.

Derrickson's suggestions as to why Emily Rose (a passionate woman of faith) would be subjected to such darkness are problematic if taken in a literal and immediate sense. However, from a "big picture" perspective, his message presents a bold spiritual truth that we would do well to remember. That is, simply, that God often allows what we as humans consider to be suffering and great evil for a purpose of even greater good. Echoes of Job's dilemma, Paul's thorn in the flesh, and Christ's suffering on the cross can be found in the searing conclusions of Emily Rose, and the beautifully perplexing paradox of Philippians 2:12-14 is highlighted in a graceful and elegant way.

PG-13, for extremely intense and disturbing depictions of demonic possession with related violence and frightening moments, as well as mature thematic elements and some language