Review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) by Lovely L — 08 Sep 2012

An excellent combination of courtroom drama surrounding the exorcism ritual and the supernatural forces along with equally potent acting. If observed closely, it is an unbiased portray of religious beliefs, superstitions, existence of God and Devil and the position of science on all this. Being based on a true story makes it more dramatic.

The story is based on court trial where an ambitious lawyer Erin (Laura Linney) is defending the priest (Tom Wilkinson) who performed exorcism on Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter) - a young, high spirited devout catholic. State charges the priest of negligence that led to Emily's demise, but he is ready to face and share the truth to the public on what actually transpired.

What I liked most is that it is all left to perspective of different people how they perceive supernatural existence. On the account of the priest, Rose's family and Emily herself - the devil, the magic and the visuals are vivid. But on the accounts of those who are skeptical, the manifestations are purely coincidental which leaves the witness to perceive what they want to believe. When it comes to performances, they are convincing and apt. The exorcism and possession scenes are short and intense. Jennifer Carpenter's portrayal of Emily Rose converting from a young sweet girl full of life to a person suffering unbearable pain both physical and psychological is quite brilliant considering I would have never given her a chance from what I had seen her as Debra Morgan in Dexter. Not so much gore or visual gimmicks or cheap thrills. Screenplay and editing is at times could have been a little more smoother and the end need not have lingered on for too long.

Intense, unbiased and compelling.