The Unforgettable 2005 Exorcism Movie That Redefined the Genre
An unforgettable battle between good and evil unfolds in the underrated 2005 exorcism movie, The Exorcism of Emily Rose Brace yourself for a chilling tale that will leave you questioning reality
Highlights
"Prey for the Devil" is an unoriginal disaster that borrows heavily from earlier exorcism movies, featuring stock characters and a borderline Catholic propaganda storyline.
"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" revolutionized the genre by skillfully combining elements of demonic possession horror and courtroom drama, skillfully challenging the significance of religion in elucidating medical afflictions.
Drawing inspiration from the haunting tale of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who endured numerous exorcisms only to succumb to death from starvation, the movie ignited intense debates and served as the driving force behind the creation of three subsequent films.
Numerous horror concepts have spawned countless imitations that have caused significant harm to the film industry. The release of Jaws resulted in a flood of shark movies that continue to dominate streaming services today. Similarly, The Exorcist paved the way for a never-ending supply of imitations and fresh interpretations. While most modern examples are typically dreadful, Scott Derrickson's The Exorcism of Emily Rose in 2005 added a new angle to the discussion.
In the latter part of 2022, Lionsgate unleashed Prey for the Devil upon the world, resulting in an utter catastrophe. Every element in the film is borrowed from previous exorcism movies. Each character falls into the predictable stereotype category, and the storyline's treatment of real-world issues teeters on the edge of Catholic propaganda. It signifies the culmination of the genre's long decline, but the early 2000s represented a different era.
What is The Exorcism of Emily Rose about?
The Exorcism of Emily Rose tells the story of Father Richard Moore, who faces charges of negligent homicide following a series of failed rites. Erin Bruner, an ambitious young lawyer, takes on the case in hopes of advancing her career. The alleged victim is Emily Rose, a 19-year-old college student who is forced to drop out due to chronic muscle spasms and hallucinations. Emily struggles to sleep and exhibits strange behavior, leading her parents to seek help from Father Moore. After traditional medical treatments prove ineffective, Emily is prescribed antipsychotics and anticonvulsants, but they provide no relief. Believing that Emily is possessed by a malevolent spirit, Father Moore attempts an exorcism, but is unsuccessful. He argues that the medication is to blame, whereas the state charges him with the crime.
During the trial, the prosecutor consults with medical professionals in order to establish a medical cause of Emily Rose's death. As the trial progresses, Father Moore insists on testifying, despite both him and Bruner experiencing strange visions and disturbances during the night. Moore is determined to share Emily's story, while Bruner is focused on preserving her career. As an anthropologist sheds light on the history of exorcisms, the trial delves into matters that exceed their understanding. This legal battle becomes a challenging test for both legal and spiritual authorities, examining the limits of their righteousness.
How did The Exorcism of Emily Rose change the genre?
The elevator pitch for The Exorcism of Emily Rose is exceptional. It combines elements of demonic possession horror and courtroom drama, posing a thought-provoking question about the church's diagnosis of inexplicable medical conditions. Is medical science undermining the power of God, or is religious fanaticism detrimental to one's well-being? This theme is explored profoundly in various exorcism films, but Emily Rose captures its intricate complexity perfectly. The film maintains its ambiguity throughout, compelling viewers to form their own conclusions.
The source material, based on the story of Anneliese Michel, provides a clearer background. Anneliese Michel, a German woman, began experiencing seizures at the age of 16. She received a diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy and underwent treatment using anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. While under the care of a local psychiatric hospital, Michel's condition worsened, leading to intense hallucinations, particularly during prayer. She became convinced that she was damned to Hell. Father Ernst Alt insisted on performing exorcisms, firmly believing that a demon resided within her. Over a span of ten months, Alt conducted 67 exorcism sessions, which ultimately resulted in Michel's death from starvation. Both Alt and Michel's parents were found guilty of negligent homicide. Later on, German bishops retracted their claim that Michel was possessed. This harrowing tale has inspired three films to date.
How does The Exorcism of Emily Rose end?
Bruner defies her boss and allows Moore to testify. He presents a letter from Emily, detailing her encounter with the Virgin Mary and her choice to remain on Earth. Despite the prosecutor's belief that Emily's stigmata is self-inflicted, Moore's retelling of her story convinces the jury to convict him with a recommended sentence of time served. Bruner sacrifices her desired promotion and joins Moore to visit Emily's grave. Moore holds onto the belief that Emily will one day be canonized as a saint. Despite being found guilty, Moore never appeals his conviction. The Exorcism of Emily Rose stands out in its genre by tackling the tough questions that others shy away from. It goes beyond cliché jump scares and superficial Catholic imagery. In a genre with low expectations, Emily Rose surpasses them by a significant margin.
