The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose arrives as a horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson give The Exorcism of Emily Rose a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Exorcism of Emily Rose comes into focus without a long explanation: A lawyer takes on a negligent homicide case involving a priest who performed an exorcism on a young girl. Across its 1h 59m running time, Scott Derrickson keeps The Exorcism of Emily Rose alive in individual scenes and uncertain between them.

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The Exorcism of Emily Rose uses its horror film framework to consider fear, isolation and the moment familiar spaces stop feeling safe. For the character played by Laura Linney, that idea gives The Exorcism of Emily Rose stakes beyond the next immediate obstacle. The recurring pressure of an important relationship prevents the theme in The Exorcism of Emily Rose from feeling like decoration added after the story. Scott Derrickson makes The Exorcism of Emily Rose more thoughtful whenever the implications remain inside action and reaction.

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The acting in The Exorcism of Emily Rose is anchored by Laura Linney, who treats even functional scenes as opportunities to reveal character. Tom Wilkinson answers that approach with a different energy, giving The Exorcism of Emily Rose welcome friction whenever the pace begins to settle. Around them, Shohreh Aghdashloo helps The Exorcism of Emily Rose feel like an ensemble piece rather than a vehicle with decorative support. Under Scott Derrickson, the performances in The Exorcism of Emily Rose share a tone even when the writing gives them unequal depth.

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The directorial personality of The Exorcism of Emily Rose comes from Scott Derrickson remaining alive in individual scenes and uncertain between them when the premise invites excess. Within The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Scott Derrickson repeatedly favours readable choices over attention seeking flourishes. That discipline explains why the cast and craft keep the experience watchable in The Exorcism of Emily Rose rather than appearing only in isolated scenes. Where The Exorcism of Emily Rose becomes less convincing, too many scenes explain effects the actors have already suggested, and the loss of control is noticeable without becoming fatal.

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The narrative of The Exorcism of Emily Rose works from a simple but productive collision between the central character and an important relationship. Through Laura Linney, The Exorcism of Emily Rose keeps that premise rooted in a reaction the audience can understand. Paul Harris Boardman introduces a difficult choice at a useful point, giving The Exorcism of Emily Rose a reason to change pace without abandoning its emotional line. The handling of the wider conflict is not equally fresh, yet The Exorcism of Emily Rose usually earns attention through clarity rather than surprise alone.

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The Exorcism of Emily Rose gains much of its identity from patiently built dread, a choice that makes the world readable as well as attractive. The contribution of Screen Gems allows The Exorcism of Emily Rose to combine patiently built dread with a consistent visual language. Within its United States setting, The Exorcism of Emily Rose makes particularly good use of carefully rationed sound when the story needs to change scale. Sound and editing preserve the personality of The Exorcism of Emily Rose by supporting detail instead of announcing every intended response.

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Overall, The Exorcism of Emily Rose amounts to an uneven film with enough personality to remain interesting and should suit horror viewers who prefer atmosphere to constant shocks. The combination of Laura Linney, Scott Derrickson and patiently built dread gives The Exorcism of Emily Rose a specific identity. Although too many scenes explain effects the actors have already suggested in The Exorcism of Emily Rose, the film recovers through craft and committed performance. For the audience it understands, The Exorcism of Emily Rose offers enough character to remain worthwhile after the immediate plot has faded.