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The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Play trailer Poster for The Exorcism of Emily Rose PG-13 Released Sep 9, 2005 1h 58m Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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45% Tomatometer 155 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
The Rev. Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is prosecuted for the wrongful death of a girl thought to be demonically possessed, because he administered the church-sanctioned exorcism that ultimately killed her. Prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas (Campbell Scott) contends that the young woman, Emily (Jennifer Carpenter), suffered from schizophrenia and should have been medically diagnosed. Meanwhile, defense lawyer Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) argues that Emily's condition cannot be explained by science alone.
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The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

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Critics Consensus

Loosely based on a true story, The Exorcism of Emily Rose mixes compelling courtroom drama with generally gore-free scares in a ho-hum take on demonic cinema.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader The script is a lifeless succession of moral debates and stormy horror flashbacks, though I had a good time watching Jennifer Carpenter... Jun 28, 2022 Full Review Chris Stuckmann ChrisStuckmann.com One of very the few PG-13 horrors that actually does scare me, because it feels realistic, it feels adult, and it feels like there is real weight and dramatic implications. Rated: A- Oct 16, 2020 Full Review Empire Magazine Rated: 3/5 Apr 1, 2006 Full Review Steve Biodrowski Cinefantastique "The film finds a way to justify its existence despite the inevitable comparisons to ["The Exorcist"], in whose shadow it will inevtiably stand..." Aug 25, 2010 Full Review Jeffrey Overstreet Looking Closer It avoids gratuitous gore and the shocks that provide the backbone of most horror films. ... [Derrickson's] more interested in the spiritual questions at hand. Rated: B+ Sep 21, 2007 Full Review Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault A glum and undistinguished drama -- it's certainly nothing so crass as a horror movie, despite the spooky come-on of the marketing. Rated: D Jul 30, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Daniel N This scared the crap out of me when it first came out! Every bump in the night made me jump for weeks. Not so scared now that it's 2025 but still an entertaining watch. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/14/25 Full Review Audience Member should have been called the negligent homicide of emily rose. equally shameful for cast and crew. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 04/04/25 Full Review Audience Member Great casting with superb acting by all of them. Both the counsellors at the court were very much presentable. Laura Linney looked gorgeous and the court room analysis exchange made good sense giving it a scientific angle as well. Was scary and engaging too. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/03/25 Full Review João Victor M The film The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) brings to light the complex relationship between faith and science within a courtroom, which reminded me of a real case that occurred in Brazil in 1976. That year, Maurício, a 15-year-old boy, was accidentally killed by his best friend, José, who was then accused of intentional homicide. During the trial, Judge Orimar de Bastos accepted as evidence letters psychographed by Chico Xavier, in which the victim himself stated that the shooting was accidental. This episode demonstrates how, in certain situations, spirituality and justice can walk hand in hand. I believe something similar should have happened in Emily Rose’s case (inspired by the true story of Anneliese Michel). Her trial highlighted the difficulty of science in dealing with spiritual phenomena and raised deep reflections on how far religion should be considered in legal decisions. Personally, I believe that science and spirituality should not be seen as opposites – on the contrary, they should work together to help us better understand such events. I also extend my condolences to the family of Ana Elizabeth (Anneliese Michel), as I believe her mission on Earth was significant in bringing this discussion to light. As a film, The Exorcism of Emily Rose stands out by blending horror with courtroom drama, creating a narrative that differs from traditional exorcism movies. Jennifer Carpenter delivers an impressive performance, especially in the possession scenes, conveying an intense realism. The way director Scott Derrickson uses camera movements and physical effects, such as objects falling, enhances the immersion. However, some jumpscares felt unnecessary—while they serve to build tension for more intense scenes, I felt that at times they disrupted the film’s atmosphere. This is one of the reasons why Derrickson’s direction didn’t fully convince me. Nevertheless, the film's core idea is strong and well-executed, raising discussions that go beyond conventional horror. Overall, The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a great film that not only frightens but also makes you think. Just like the real story that inspired it, it reminds us that there are mysteries in this world that still challenge our understanding. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” – Philippians 2:12-13 Rest in peace, Ana Elizabeth Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/25 Full Review Alexander S A decent piece of horror showcasing its frightening moments and a commendable performance from Jennifer Carpenter, The Exorcism of Emily Rose initially presents itself as a respectable fictional adaptation of the real-life events it draws inspiration from, but the interweaving of courtroom drama and the depiction of Emily Rose’s harrowing exorcism can sometimes hinder the film’s attempt to establish itself as a distinct horror narrative. This uneven focus on tone creates an inconsistent atmosphere. Grading: C+ Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/11/25 Full Review Geo3 F This is not a horror film is more a court drama, meaning they are few spooky scenes but the heart of the film is in the courtroom. That said I thought it was pretty good however deeply catholic bias here where faith is explain thru the Catholic viewpoint not others. Overall, a nice court drama and you skip the few creepy scenes its a good film to enjoy. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 12/21/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Scary Failed Exorcism The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Scary Failed Exorcism 2:14 The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Demons Among Us The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Demons Among Us 2:01 The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Demon Attack in Bed The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Demon Attack in Bed 2:16 The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Demons Are Real The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Demons Are Real 3:59 The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - The Devil in the Flesh The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - The Devil in the Flesh 3:37 The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Possessed in Church The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Possessed in Church 1:20 The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Creepy Possessed Girlfriend The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - Creepy Possessed Girlfriend 2:16 The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - The Exorcism Begins The Exorcism of Emily Rose: Official Clip - The Exorcism Begins 2:21 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis The Rev. Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is prosecuted for the wrongful death of a girl thought to be demonically possessed, because he administered the church-sanctioned exorcism that ultimately killed her. Prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas (Campbell Scott) contends that the young woman, Emily (Jennifer Carpenter), suffered from schizophrenia and should have been medically diagnosed. Meanwhile, defense lawyer Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) argues that Emily's condition cannot be explained by science alone.
Director
Scott Derrickson
Producer
Paul Harris Boardman, Beau Flynn, Gary Lucchesi, Tom Rosenberg, Tripp Vinson
Screenwriter
Paul Harris Boardman, Scott Derrickson
Distributor
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co
Firm Films
Rating
PG-13 (Intense/Frightening Sequences|Disturbing Images|Thematic Material)
Genre
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 9, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA)
$75.1M
Runtime
1h 58m
Sound Mix
SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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