“Demonic possession…supernatural forces or scientific anomaly?”

Demonic possession horror is a very popular style of film.  Made famous by the Godfather of them all, The Exorcist, most of these films focus on the spiritual side of it.  In 2005, a film took a clever approach on the topic of possession by way of a possible scientific explanation…The Exorcism of Emily Rose.  Co-written by Paul Harris Boardman and director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Deliver Us From Evil) the movie is a courtroom based drama centered around the death of a supposedly possessed young girl named Emily Rose.

THE PLOT

Father Richard Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is on trial and accused of negligent homicide for attempting to exorcise young Emily Rose.  Prosecutor Ethan Thomas (Campbell Scott) is trying to convince the jury that Emily’s condition was medical, stating that she suffered from epilepsy and psychosis.  Erin Bruner (Laura Linney), a struggling lawyer, boldly takes the case to defend Father Moore in hopes that it will elevate her status as an elite attorney.

Occasionally, the story flashbacks to college freshman Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), who has just returned home after experiencing strange occurrences in her dorm room.  Scared and confused, she is diagnosed with possible epilepsy and psychosis and begins taking medication, which seems to have no effect on her.  As her family grows more concerned for her well being, they call on Father Moore in fear that she may very well be possessed.

As the case heats up and the prosecution seemingly locked up with a win, due to the solid medical evidence it possesses, Father Moore’s chances of an acquittal seem very slim.  His only defense is his faith and an audio tape of the actual exorcism he performed in the barn of Emily’s home.  During the exorcism, the family’s doctor was present, whose testimony may be the only hope for Bruner to have actual medical evidence that Emily was in fact possessed and not just sick.  Regardless of the outcome of the case, Father Moore is determined that the court hear Emily’s side of the story, which he feels is most important.

SHOULD YOU SEE IT?

Loosely based on the real case of a young German woman, Anneliese Michel, The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a creepy and clever demon possession film.  Solid acting, great story, and an exceptional performance from Jennifer Carpenter (Quarantine), it’s a film that I would highly recommend to any fan of possession horror!