I went to see The Exorcism of Emily Rose on Saturday night, expecting a very scary film. The movie did have it’s scary moments, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. I think the original Exorcist movie was much more frightening. Strangely though, I found myself really enjoying this film.

I think a better word to describe The Exorcism of Emily Rose than “scary” is “intriguing”. The movie was exceptionally well done, I thought. Instead of just showing an exorcism, the movie looks back on the event from within the courtroom trial where Father Moore is being blamed for the death of Emily Rose. Laura Linney plays Erin Brunner, the defense attorney who experiences some supernatural events of her own as the trial progresses. I thought of all the actors in the film, Linney stood out. She played her character with conviction and passion.

The fact that the movie is based on a true story kind of makes me hesitate about just what creative liberties the filmmakers took. Regardless, the film seemed believable enough. And because the story was told from the courtroom, it made events seem more real, as you had two lawyers trying to establish facts. And fortunately, in the year 2005, our special effects are good enough to make body contortions and demons seem real.

One criticism I have of the movie is that by the end, it sort of felt like the trial had turned into advertising for the church. Erin Brunner’s closing arguments in the trial were especially true of this, as she proclaimed that “facts don’t leave room for possibilities” and encouraged the jurors to look at the possibilities. Maybe Emily Rose really was possessed. Maybe she really was touched by god. On and on and on.

All in all, a very interesting film, and worth the money in my opinion. I’d give it a 7/10 probably. If you’re looking for a horror, this isn’t the movie for you. If you’re looking for a very well done psychological thriller on the other hand, check out The Exorcism of Emily Rose.

Read: IMDB