The Exorcism Of Emily Rose

About The Exorcism Of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a 2005 horror/thriller film directed by Scott Derrickson. The film is based on the true story of Anneliese Michel, a young Catholic woman from Germany who died in 1976 after unsuccessful attempts to cure her from the alleged state of demonic possession with the use of psychotropic drugs. Also, a church-approved exorcism was performed on her, according to her wish. According to the court, her death was caused by medical neglect of the priest watching over her. The story of her short life which consisted of strong faith and an exhausting struggle with what seemed to be supernatural powers served as the basis for this horror movie. The screenplay was written by Scott Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman.

In an extremely rare decision, the Catholic Church officially recognized the demonic possession of the 19 year-old college freshman from Edwardsville Illinois and who lived in Woodland Hall. Told in flashbacks, The Exorcism of Emily Rose chronicles the haunting trial of the priest accused of negligence resulting in the death of the young girl who is believed to be possessed and the lawyer who takes on the task of defending him.

Lawyer Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) takes on the church and the state when she fights in defense of a priest, Father Richard Moore (Tom Wilkinson) who performed an exorcism on a young woman, Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter). Bruner must battle the state lawyer as well as her own loneliness, as she realizes that her career so far has not fulfilled her. She takes the case, albeit reluctantly, because she believes it will elevate her to senior partner at her law firm. The priest agrees to let her defend him only if he is allowed to tell Emily's story.