Movie Review: The Exorcism of Emily Rose


October 6, 2025 11:37 AM CT
By: Laura McKenna
Supported by
The fact that I waited 20 years to watch this movie is a crying shame!
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) combines two of my favorite kinds of movies: Courtroom Dramas and Scary Movies (especially the demonic possession kind).
For fans of the show Ozark, you’ll recognize Laura Linney. She plays the defense attorney that represents a Catholic priest on trial for the death of Emily Rose, a gal that died during an exorcism. She’s great in that role.
For fans of the show Dexter, you’ll recognize Jennifer Carpenter. She plays Emily Rose and she plays the role so well that they didn’t even use the dummy doll for the contortion scene in her dorm room because Carpenter was so flexible that she nailed it all by herself. She was really convincing.
The scariest part of all- The Exorcism of Emily Rose was based on a true story of the exorcism of a 23-year-old gal by the name of Anneliese Michel in 1976. You can read more about her horrifying demise HERE.
So this goes without saying anything more- WATCH THE MOVIE! If you waited as long as I did, it will quickly move into your Top 3 exorcism movies of all time. The Exorcist (1973), of course, will always be #1 but this now becomes my #2.
Know of another great scary movie based on a true story that Laura may have missed? Email anytime: Laura.McKenna@civicmedia.us
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW
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