A priest faces charges of reckless patient endangerment in the horror, courtroom drama THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE. Father Moore is on trial for manslaughter in the death of Emily Rose, a college student who died of either an epileptic disorder or demonic intervention. His defense attorney, Erin Bruenner played by Laura Linney, doesn’t believe in demons but hopes the case will be a springboard for her at the firm. The case becomes an even tougher test, when a practicing Christian represents the prosecution.
Although often haunting, the courtroom posturing drains much of the drama and intrigue out of THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE. The film is told during the trial of Father Moore, with flashbacks demonstrating Emily’s demonic possession and her exorcisms. These flashbacks infuse the film with fear, intrigue and mystery, and also benefit from Jennifer Carpenter’s intense and impacting performance as the tormented soul. Carpenter’s performance is the film’s best, which says a lot when sharing the screen with Wilkinson, Linney and Campbell Scott. These three veteran actors provide solid performances, but are punished with a less-than compelling script. The defense’s case is a flimsy one at best, and the presentation of it is poorly handled. The film is based on the actual trial of Rose, and I believe the outcome stays true to form. I only wish the film’s case for Moore was more convincing. Despite some genuine chills, I can’t recommend THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE.
Grade: C+
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