The Exorcism of Emily Rose is no "The Exorcist" or "Omen" for that matter, but it does offer up a creepy tone all it's own, and is backed up by several effective shocks. It should be noted though, that this film is more of a courtroom drama than an expose on possession. Think Inherit the Devil or Twelve Angry Demons.

Inspired by a true story (I use that term loosely), The Exorcism of Emily Rose follows a trial in which a priest (played with great subtlety by Tom Wilkinson) is charged with negligent homicide after persuading college student Emily Rose (an effective Jennifer Carpenter) - a young woman who professes to be possessed by demons - to stop taking her meds. These meds have been prescribed by doctors who believe Emily's bizarre behavior and violent outbursts are purely psychological.

Through the course of the film, we are witness to Emily Rose's story through flashbacks as the priest's agnostic attorney (Laura Linney) does battle with the prosecution, which just so happens to be headed up by a man of faith (Campbell Scott).

First and foremost, The Exorcism of Emily Rose does offer up chilling imagery in a most realistic fashion. The sequences in which Emily is "taken over" really work because there's nothing over the top about them. Everything that happens is within the realm of possibility. The spasms and contortions that take hold of Rose's body are most effective, and I have to admit, I found a large portion of this picture very unsettling. So unsettling in fact, that I would argue the (PG-13) rating. Making this screening all the more uncomfortable, was the presence of young children in the audience. Be forewarned. This is not a movie you want your youngsters anywhere near.

The aspect of the picture that I found most intriguing, is the debate between religion and science. This particular debate has been going on for years and years - both in real life and the movies, and for the most part, I was pleased with the way the film walks that fine line between reality and the supernatural. I also found it interesting that the barristers Linney and Scott play, have to essentially argue the case in opposition to their own beliefs. Sadly though, this movie doesn't have the courage to keep the proceedings ambiguous. Rather than letting the audience decide for themselves whether or not Emily Rose is actually possessed, the film makers ultimately take a side by suggesting that Linney also begins to experience a darker force at work. I could have dealt with this plot device had they left out the business about the psychiatrist who was present at Emily's exorcism. For me, both of these contrivances felt forced-in to bouy the plot, but ultimately drain the movie of it's realism.

The screenplay is intriguing and would have been more so had there not been so many instances of cheesy dialogue. Likewise, the trial portion of the picture is cluttered with standard courtroom cliches (i.e. the defendant conceals vital information from his attorney). The explanation for Emily's possession or psychological break (whichever you prefer) is an interesting one, especially given that this is a young woman of faith. The fate that befalls the priest is predictable but acceptable, although the judge's statement following deliberation, was silly to me.

The exorcism sequence in the picture is well done. It's creepy, but subtle - although I do question the idea that they only tape recorded the ritual. Why didn't they video tape the damn thing. It certainly would have made for a stronger documentation. I've read in some reports that the actual incident took place in the 70s, but the filmmakers certainly made no attempt at presenting the film as a time piece - it certainly looked contemporary.

Simply put, it is the performances (along with a sinister tone) that sell the movie. For the most part, these fine actors rise above the occasional bits of silly word play. Wilkinson is earnest and it is clear that he isn't a crazy man. He believes he is doing the right thing. Linney does a fine job as an agnostic who witnesses enough strange goings-ons to have her beliefs challenged. Campbell Scott is terrific as a man of faith who also happens to be practical and somewhat open-minded. While he does believe in the teachings of the bible , he also believes that there is a medical explanation for Emily's strange condition. Jennifer Carpenter is outstanding as Emily Rose. While she does overplay a couple of moments early on, I found this to be a terrific piece of acting. I felt for her. When her body is taken over without warning, I was horrified. It didn't matter to me if this was possession or a medical condition. Carpenter really sells it.

I quite liked The Exorcism of Emily Rose. It isn't a perfect movie, but I applaud that it's much smarter than your average, garden variety horror picture. It's challenging in ways that other films in the genre wouldn't dare to be. And even though the movie is flawed and quite often dragged down by stilted dialogue, it truly scared me on numerous occasions. And by the look of things, it certainly scared the hell out of the guy seated five people down from us. With about fifteen minutes to go in the picture, he puked all over the place. Happily however his head did not spin around in circles.