The Exorcism of Emily Rose

I've got two major gripes with films centered around exorcism themes. Firstly, I'm not a fan of the various religions and churches depicted. Secondly, ever since Max von Sydow tried to dodge streams of pea soup, it seems like filmmakers haven't really come up with anything new (unless we count the use of CGI on the possessed). This particular film wasn't exactly a horror movie, more like a courtroom drama with added exorcism flashbacks, with the courtroom scenes being the saving grace. Unfortunately, the trial concluded with a verdict that seemed like a clever cop-out. So, for me, the film ended halfway through; I was entertained and yet not quite satisfied, and my rating reflects this mixed bag. It wasn't a terrible movie, but it had way too many flaws to leave a lasting impression on me. / Lesson learned: If you have a fit in a deeply religious family, you're in trouble. (30/07/2023)

A tedious battle between science and faith set in a courtroom. It’s a pretty long film – by the end I was looking at my watch – the events in the courtroom are quite boring because they are very predictable (you can figure out exactly how the case will develop and what the verdict will be). What is a little bit better are the flashbacks showing a still alive Emily. The entire film has three mildly scary scenes, very little for an almost two-hour runtime, which is a real shame because they are very effective and intense. Formally speaking, there’s not much to reproach: the actors handle their roles perfectly, the characters don’t do anything stupid and the direction is good enough. 70% (19/01/2008)

My skepticism towards the easily outdated topic disappeared when Laura Linney first appeared and the seemingly unbelievable intention to connect a courtroom drama with a horror started to fit into the presented concept naturally and simply. When the courtroom storyline becomes too straightforward, we are given a convincing insert by the twisting Jennifer Carpenter, and when similar scenes exceed the tolerable limit, we return to another hearing. Moreover, the formula "based on true events" works reliably this time as well, and during this brisk, but above all, unpredictable film, theological and philosophical dilemmas were running through my mind non-stop. So mainly for that, I must give Exorcism a big salute, not to mention the long-awaited climax in court. (04/04/2006)

A fine courtroom drama with an interesting and attractive premise, from which I will only remember the absolutely brilliant ten-minute or so scene of the actual exorcism of Emily Rose. It doesn't let you breathe and becomes a clear highlight of scenes of this kind, including The Exorcist. (02/12/2005)

Surprisingly very decent. If it weren't for the corny phrases during the "horror" passages, I would even dare to use the word authentic. It helps a lot that the point of the film is not about scares, but rather about the reconstruction of the trial with Father Moore and a rather interesting dilemma about whether to believe the facts or admit the supernatural. The atmosphere is dense, and it’s really a pity that the film tries to evoke the impression of the devil's existence in a nickel-and-dime way, without any invention. (01/04/2008)