The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Light magnified in darkness

—1. Overview (multimedia)
—2. Overview Basic (dial up speed)
—3. Reviews and Blogs
—4. Cast and Crew
—5. Photo Pages
—6. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Soundtrack
—7. Posters
—8. Production Notes
—9. Spiritual Connections

Though the theatrical screening of The Exorcism of Emily Rose was prefaced with preview after preview of droll and unappealing horror films, it stands out as something distinct. Its director/co-writer, Scott Derrickson (a professing Christian), chose to pass on the overplayed formula of blood, guts and scantily clad women for a more unique style that blends the courtroom drama of Law & Order with the based-on-a-true-story horrific images of The Exorcist.

The true story on which The Exorcism of Emily Rose is based involves a college-age German girl in the 1970s, Anneliese Michel, whose priest and parents were charged criminally after a series of exorcisms went wrong. As the film begins, such a death has taken place in America, and Father Richard Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is put on trial for negligent homicide after the death of Emily Rose.

To avoid the trial becoming a war between Christianity and culture, devout Methodist Ethan Thomas (Campbell Scott) is chosen as the prosecutor. Though Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) is openly agnostic, her career-advancement goals get in the way of her “good judgment,” and she chooses to represent Moore in the high-profile case. This lays a perfect foundation for some good, old-fashioned character conflict—and that conflict is all based on different ways of perceiving the spiritual realm.

Though the film is high in spiritual content, it doesn’t beat us over the head with any specific agenda. Instead, through flashbacks, it examines the alleged demonic activity from both spiritual and medical perspectives. Though it does seem to lean more toward acknowledging the existence of the demonic (and, thus, the existence of God), The Exorcism of Emily Rose does an excellent job of fairly representing both sides. The result is an acknowledgement of the limited nature of human understanding. Showing that none of us really knows all the answers, the film directs us to search for a greater power that does. Humans, after all, are naturally inquisitive. If we can step over our pride and admit that we don’t know everything, we will obviously want to cling to a Being that is omniscient (Psalm 139:1-4). Because the film intentionally leaves certain questions unanswered, it encourages its audiences to search. If you don’t think this is effective, just check out all the online discussion threads that the movie has spawned.

Another of the film’s successes is its ability to portray absolute helplessness. Through blending dreary environments, sighing cellos and solid acting, the film breeds audience anxiety at all the right moments. Though this heightened anxiety is typical in the horror genre, it’s an essential thematic element in The Exorcism of Emily Rose. As the trial progresses, Bruner has some frightening encounters akin to demonic oppression. Completely alone, she cowers in fear, unable to sleep. On the same night, Father Moore has a similar terrifying encounter. Through fervent prayer, however, he’s able to ward off the invisible aggressor and get some much-needed rest (as is promised in Matthew 11:28 and Psalm 46:10). Rather than exposing us to boogeymen just to keep us awake at night, the film addresses our absolute helplessness against the powers of darkness. Because of this revelation of our own fears, it establishes a need for a powerful protector against such darkness (as described throughout Psalm 46).

Though The Exorcism of Emily Rose seems largely based on biblical and historical cases of demonic possession, it addresses the question of the possibility of a Christian’s possession in a way that may not fit in with many denominational doctrines. Though the afflicted party is portrayed as a devout Christian, she is also portrayed as being possessed by some force of evil. This seems to contradict common beliefs held about God’s ability to be in the presence of sin (possibly implied in 2 Corinthians 6:14 and Matthew 6:24). Ron Rhodes, the non-Christian author of Angels Among Us, backs this conviction by pointing out that no Christians in the Bible ever become demon-possessed. He also cites Colossians 1:13 and 1 John 4:4 to remind us of God’s power over the forces of evil. Additionally, Matthew 12:43-35 seems to imply that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life can stave off demonic occupation.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose does bring doubt to the safety of believers, but more importantly, it wholly affirms God and His control over even the most helpless of situations. Because the film has already set the pattern of raising questions without specifically answering them, it seems that this question is simply another opportunity for spiritual dialogue among its viewers. Instead of intensifying our feelings of helplessness, the film paints Emily as a Christ-like/Job-like sacrificial figure who suffers to reveal specific truths about God.

Though this movie does provide a wonderful venue for the exchanging of ideas about the spiritual realm, some may hesitate to see it for fear of demonic backlash—and that’s fine. The PG-13 film does have its share of disturbing images, but it seems to glorify God more than it popularizes demons. Bruner’s character shows us, however, that even though someone may be on the right track, inquiry into demonic subject matter could put that person closer to the front lines of spiritual warfare. The same can be said about exposure to poverty or injustice, or any other subject that heightens our awareness of a specific problem.

The important thing to remember is that no film, regardless of its kinship with the Bible, should be taken as gospel truth. Instead, our responsibility is to look at everything through the distinct lens crafted by our own biblical study and relationships with God so we may express that relationship through every medium at our disposal.

—1. Overview (multimedia)
—2. Overview Basic (dial up speed)
—3. Reviews and Blogs
—4. Cast and Crew
—5. Photo Pages
—6. Trailers, Clips, DVDs, Soundtrack
—7. Posters
—8. Production Notes
—9. Spiritual Connections

Reviews and Specials
— Elisabeth Leitch's review
— An Exclusive Interview With Scott Derrickson
— Kevin Miller's review
— Raising Questions and Pondering Possibilities by Elisabeth Leitch