After watching this movie, I feel compelled to correct what the marketing folks did, promoting it like an outright horror movie with plenty of "BOO" moments, and not an inclination that a major portion of this film takes place in a courtroom. I believe the trailer does not even hint at this having courtroom drama-mama moments, to which many in the audience that I watched this with, went "bor-ring", "dull", and disappointed many horny teenage boyfriends who thought they could eat tofu with each frightening scene.
May I again repeat that this movie does not have plenty of moments which will make you jump, or your heart race. Neither should you associate this film with the kind of expectation from the superb The Exorcist - this film treats the ritual with some respect and doesn't sensationalize it, nor have any kinky spirits to possess the poor victim with abilities to walk backwards down a staircase, or find creative and vulgar uses for the crucifix.
What this movie is, it's based on a true story (of course names, etc have been changed, but the premise kept intact) of a priest being hauled to court to stand trial in the 70s, having being accused of causing the death of a young girl through neglect. It's a tussle between science and faith as both defense and prosecution bring forth their theories about the events leading to the faithful night of the exorcism.
Therefore, the act of casting spirits back to where they come from, is told only in flashbacks, and at times, with the scientific point of view in mind to debunk spiritualism. The narrative works for a courtroom movie, not so for a horror film. Perhaps the talking point in the movie, is the debate on the need to create a villain, in order for the hero to be a hero. It's similar to the theme that M Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable, and John Woo's MI:2 touched upon. I'm neither religious or spiritual, and this film, like Constantine, drives home the point that it doesn't matter whether you believe in "them" - they believe in you / they are around.
Laura Linney shines in her role as the lawyer who took on the case as it's publicity and promotional opportunity, and Tom Wilkinson is believable as the Father who dared to challenge Evil in the face. However, kudos must go to relative newcomer Jennifer Carpenter as Emily Rose, in highlighting the fear and pain that her character goes through. And ooh, the body contortions will just freak you out, and what surprised me was the unusual possession she experienced.
I know that there'll be a group in the audience who'll give the thumbs up if John Constantine bursts into the scene and bitch-slaps the devil out of Emily Rose, in order to speed up the pace, but to such horror-action lovers, this will not be your cup of tea. The pacing is somehow deliberately slow to drum through the themes it wants to touch upon.
To those who are patient, this movie tells the controversial story of a woman's decision to undergo what she has gone through, all in the name of Faith, and a man of God's decision to ensure that her message gets told.
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