My Movie Review: The Exorcism of Emily Rose

In an extremely rare decision, the Catholic Church officially recognized the demonic possession of a 19 year-old college freshman. Told in terrifying flashbacks, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" chronicles the haunting trial of the priest accused of negligence resulting in the death of the young girl believed to be possessed. Inspired by true events, the film stars Laura Linney as the lawyer who takes on the task of defending the priest (Tom Wilkinson) who performed the controversial exorcism.
If you don't want the plot given away, do NOT click on the link below!
The movie is based loosely on actual events, which can be found here

The movie itself was extremely entertaining. I didn't know much about the story, apart from that it was about an exorcism performed on a girl. I honestly thought the girl was very young, like 6 or 7, but it wasn't until the movie started I realised she was 19. Anyway, that aside, it's pretty much a courtroom drama. But the thing I liked about it was, it was presented with flashbacks, so you knew what was going on. I won't give the plot away, if you've clicked the link above, it pretty much gives it away. The story is loosely based on fact, but it keeps the story pretty much intact. Of course a lot of things were changed, but if you don't know the real story, it doesn't really matter. The acting itself, Laura Linney was alright, but the best performances came from Emily herself, played by Jennifer Carpenter, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the real girl, and from Tom Wilkinson, who played Father Moore.
What I really liked about it was that it was believable. I have seen the Exorcist, and although it's a classic movie, I thought the acting was very much over the top. There was no pea soup, no strange writing appearing on her body, nothing like that. You really feel Emily's fear. You really start to wonder if what she went through was real. You can empathise with the situation the Father was put through. And you feel for her family. You also see Laura Linney's character struggle with her own beliefs. And to me, that's what made it exceptional.
If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend it. It's not ever going to be a Hollywood blockbuster, but that's what makes it a great movie. Enjoy.