Review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) by Margaret G — 28 Mar 2011

"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" offers a refreshing blend of courtroom drama and creepy old-school horror tactics, resulting in a film that is incredibly well-made yet will surely divide audiences based on their expectations.

Tom Wilkinson and Laura Linney both offer strong lead performances as the Priest on trial for negligent homicide and his Defense Attorney, while Jennifer Carpenter (Debra from TV's "Dexter") does enough creepy body contortion to make her "possession" (told entirely through flashbacks) feel quite realistic and even haunting.

The film's moral message comes across as a bit muddled or unsure of itself by the end - much like Linney's character and her spiritual beliefs - yet it remains undeniably effective, appealing to viewers on both a higher emotional and intellectual level than most modern horror films, and leaving much to consider even after the credits have rolled.