The Exorcism of Emily Rose is not what you think. The trailers, when it was released in theatres, pitched it as an updated version of “The Exorcist.” Yet, at its core TEOER is a courtroom drama. The trailers made it out to look really scary. Don’t get me wrong it is scary but all the scary/disturbing scenes you saw in the trailer were all the scary/disturbing scenes in the movie. In fact what you don’t see in the trailer, which is the majority of the film, is the courtroom.
Father Moore, played by Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins), is on trial for negligent care of Emily Rose who died shortly after a failed exorcism. Erin Bruner, played by Laura Linney (The Truman Show) is the agnostic attorney hired to defend Father Moore. Ironically, the prosecution picks a Methodist to represent the people in this case. This sets up a very intellectual battle between Science and super-natural. The debate volleys back and forth on if she was possessed or mis-medicated epilepsy.
The tag line for the film, “based on a true story,” makes the film ever more intriguing. The plot circles around Father Moore stating that Emily’s story must be told and in fact, through this movie, it is indeed told. She becomes proof that the spiritual war is indeed real and to be feared. Of course this outcome is up to the jury to decide and ultimately you, the viewer.
This film is rated PG-13 and rightly so. In fact I would be conservative and say 16 or above. There are no monster-jumps-from-around-the-corner moments but there are plenty of disturbing images and it is a psychological thriller, especially for if you believe in the super-natural.
Father Moore often quotes from the bible telling Erin Bruner that they are fighting “not against flesh and blood but against the powers of darkness.” Which makes it a highly recommended film for the non-squeamish Christian. I am rewarding this a 5 out of 5. It’s not family friendly but it is very well made and thought provoking.
*****
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