The Exorcism of Emily Rose shines a spotlight on the victim’s sacrifice

By Renae Richardson

Scott Derrickson, who directs, The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), takes a common horror plot and refocuses the lens. While the story of possession remains like many others in its subgenre, this film shines a spotlight on the victim’s sacrifice.

The film begins mysteriously. A man in black shows up at what appears to be a broken-down home that looks forlorn and empty. However, it is not at all empty. He has been called upon for help. And upon a greeting, he gets straight to work.

Then flash forward.

The movie segues into a courtroom drama. The change Is a bit unexpected but intriguing? A legal team is in the middle of preparing a case where a high-level priest is facing trial. Father Moore played by Tom Wilkinson, has been blamed for the death of young Emily Rose.

An aspiring attorney with dreams of advancement takes the case. As she seeks to find out a little bit more regarding the circumstances surrounding the priest’s arrest, the viewers learn more of Emily. And so, we take it back.

We begin at the beginning.

Filmgoers can look at Emily through the eyes of her mother before she leaves for school. We see a young blossoming lady full of promise. Derrickson provides excellent character building here. And from this point, the film flows back and forth between the courtroom and Emily’s experience.

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It was quite a viewing experience.

In the first 25 minutes, the audience witnesses the harrowing encounter at the beginning of Emily’s possession. Viewers watch as she helplessly suffers at the behest of the unseen malevolent entity. And school psychiatrists and doctors are skeptics at best. They misdiagnose her. The rising action is spot on. Viewers continue to see the progression of the possession in its most grotesque form. We see the transition of Emily Rose right in our faces. This creates a pull.

The climactic point of the exorcism is particularly brutal. The evidence speaks for itself. Unfortunately, sometimes, even when strong evidence exists, it remains quite difficult to prove the supernatural even with a letter from the very witness. This film has an ending quite different and satisfying.

This is a brilliant movie The tone is ominous and intense. The buildup is excellent. The script is well-written. The score is unsettling and intensifying. The imagery is vivid. The acting is well-executed. This is not a heart-pounder. It is a very solid horror story of possession and worth the watch.