The Exorcism of Emily Rose

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The Exorcism of Emily Rose

PG-13

2005

1h 58m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

46%

Tomatometer

157 Reviews

60%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

The Rev. Moore is prosecuted for the wrongful death of a girl thought to be demonically possessed, because he administered the church-sanctioned exorcism that ultimately killed her. Prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas contends that the young woman, Emily, suffered from schizophrenia and should have been medically diagnosed. Meanwhile, defense lawyer Erin Bruner argues that Emily's condition cannot be explained by science alone.

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Critics Consensus

Loosely based on a true story, The Exorcism of Emily Rose mixes compelling courtroom drama with generally gore-free scares in a ho-hum take on demonic cinema.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Jun 28, 2022

The script is a lifeless succession of moral debates and stormy horror flashbacks, though I had a good time watching Jennifer Carpenter...

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Chris Stuckmann

ChrisStuckmann.com

Oct 16, 2020

A-

One of very the few PG-13 horrors that actually does scare me, because it feels realistic, it feels adult, and it feels like there is real weight and dramatic implications.

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Paul Arendt

BBC.com

Dec 6, 2005

3/5

A classy 'boo!' movie for those who like their horror polite.

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

May 13, 2026

7/10

Presented in isolation and it would represent a broadly watchable and entertaining horror film. Interweaved with the more realistic and grounded legal drama, and the two sides elevate one another to make a film better than either half on its own.

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David Day

Horror Movie Talk

Sep 18, 2025

8/10

This movie respects the audience and shows a lot of restraint in favor of fewer terrifying moments. The result is that these very disturbing scenes have a heavier impact. I’m a sucker for a well-made possession movie, and this is exactly that.

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Steve Biodrowski

Cinefantastique

Aug 25, 2010

"The film finds a way to justify its existence despite the inevitable comparisons to ["The Exorcist"], in whose shadow it will inevtiably stand..."

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Alyssa D

@RT61796684 Oct 16, 2026

Mid. I know its based off of a real story but I believe they kind of paint it in a better light than the actual details. Raises really interesting questions but in a sanitized version of events.

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Bruce R

@RT60933325 Sep 27, 2026

I just watched this for the first time. Not bad, seems to have a lot of potential, but just didn't go far enough. Too many 'same old, same old' tropes. Well acted, and it tries to explore themes of belief. But the film doesn't take any real risks and therefore fails to maximize it's possibilities.

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B P

@Bradster69 Sep 1, 2026

Not Bad, but Not My Favorite

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Tammy and Susannah haunted R

@TammyandSusannahsreviews Aug 25, 2026

Susannah: This movie was interesting. As usual it wasn't scary but it was entertaining to see the trial in the court room. I thought this movie wasn't going to have any of that in it but I was pleasantly surprised. Would recommend. Tammy: I like how it was based off a true story but I feel like they could have added some other things to make it more entertaining. Overall it was a good movie.

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A B

@Wilbur130 Aug 16, 2026

I like the actor who played the defendant priest. That is the only positive thing i can say. Stupid for those with poorly endowed brains. I guess.

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Alex B

@AlexBioni Aug 2, 2026

Faith on Trial The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a surprisingly original horror movie. Instead of being just another exorcism film, it blends supernatural horror with a courtroom drama. The acting is strong, especially Jennifer Carpenter as Emily. I liked how the movie lets the courtroom testimony play out, then shows us the events instead of simply telling us. It keeps you questioning whether everything has a supernatural or logical explanation, and I enjoyed hearing both sides argue their case. There are also a few creative camera shots that build the tension. While the premise is unique, both the horror and courtroom elements can be a little cheesy and predictable. At its core, it is still a familiar exorcism story, but the courtroom angle keeps it engaging. If you're expecting nonstop horror, this isn't that kind of movie, and that's okay.

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Scott Derrickson

Director

Laura Linney

Erin Bruner

Tom Wilkinson

Father Moore

Campbell Scott

Ethan Thomas

Jennifer Carpenter

Emily Rose

Colm Feore

Karl Gunderson

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Synopsis

The Rev. Moore is prosecuted for the wrongful death of a girl thought to be demonically possessed, because he administered the church-sanctioned exorcism that ultimately killed her. Prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas contends that the young woman, Emily, suffered from schizophrenia and should have been medically diagnosed. Meanwhile, defense lawyer Erin Bruner argues that Emily's condition cannot be explained by science alone.

Director: Scott Derrickson
Producer: Paul Harris Boardman, Beau Flynn, Gary Lucchesi, Tom Rosenberg, Tripp Vinson
Screenwriter: Paul Harris Boardman, Scott Derrickson
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Firm Films
Rating: PG-13 (Intense/Frightening Sequences|Disturbing Images|Thematic Material)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 9, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $75.1M
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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