The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The intense but restrained film is directed by professed Christian and horror-movie veteran Scott Derrickson | Andrew Coffin

In Christian circles, films are often defended as good "conversation starters." Such movies may not espouse a Christian worldview, but their content either identifies something true about the world or raises key issues that naturally lead to further discussion.

Rarely has this been as accurate a description of a film as it is with The Exorcism of Emily Rose (rated PG-13 for thematic material, including intense/frightening sequences and disturbing images), a surprisingly serious attempt at blending horror with extended theological debate. The intense but restrained film is directed by professed Christian and horror-movie veteran Scott Derrickson with the theological rigor of an insider and enough cinematic skill to suggest the possibility of mainstream appeal.