The Exoricism of Emily Rose is such a success on so many levels. Most of which graduate it's stellar cast and makers into Oscar worthy territory. Fabuolus Jennifer Carpenter of the less impressive White Chicks makes here real film debut here as the scariest possessed girl ever put on film(Linda Blair take a hike). She stars as Emily Rose a naive, quiet young girl in her freshman year at college. On a weekend alone she is supposedly attacked by demonic forces and becomes possessed. The film takes place in the aftermath of her failed exorcism and death. The Priest Father Moore played beautifully by Tom Wilkinson has been put away for her murder. Laura Linney gives her most powerful performance as his attorney whom is agnostic and questions his and her beliefs. The film doesn't lean in any particular direction and saves the big questions open for you to answer. It's been a long time since I've seen such an abdunce of talent and intelligence thrown into a horror picture. And don't be mistakened it is a horror picture and a scary one at that. What horror is on film is portrayed poetically and realistically and the courtroom scenes are played with the same pizazz. This will be the film to make everyone question their beliefs. What really happened to Emily Rose? Was she possessed? Or was it a medical Condition? Are their things such as demons? And god and the devil? Should we be scared? Well I have to say I'm leaning more towards yes after this movie. I went in as a non believer and came back questioning and wanting to reestablish my faith. Besides wonderful turns from the expected performers such as Wilkinson and Linney who should receive an Oscar nomination. Carpenter is a real find she's one hell of a screamer and with hardly any use of spfx she manages to look frighteningly possessed. A true breakout star making performance. The script is tight intelligent and wonderfully adapted. And the director whom is graduating from less respectable films such as Urban Legends: Final Cut and Hellraiser: Inferno makes quite an impression here and seems like he's been doing it forever. This should be a breakout hit from audience reaction and should garner a handful of awards from the fabulous work that was invested. So I dare you to go and question your beliefs and witness the exorcism of Emily rose. One of the best films of the year! ****1/2 (out of five)
Review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose
