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This Scott Derrickson directed flick is a sort of a horror movie that makes your hair stand on end and leaves you weak from the inside. Even though it's main root is horror, it actually is more of a drama - court-room drama to be exact and it does a superb job in handling the above fields. The thing that makes it kinda different from most other court-room dramas is that it deals with supernatural forces and a dead girl. In the others, all the things that happen, murders, suicide whatever, are done by the people of earth whereas in this case, it's the Devil himself. It deals with possession, exorcism and rituals, the very things people see it from different points of view and from different religions and convincing a majority is not easy, especially if both the prey and the victim are not present. Like I said, this film offers more than just your usual horror, it makes you think about your position. This is not for the faint of heart, believe me!
Anyway, the cinematography is excellent and all the court-room scenes are greatly scripted and well fleshed out. But the main highlight is the exorcism scene in the barn. That's easily one of the most damn effective horror moments in recent horror history and it was superbly choreographed. It's scary in all senses and it's quite painful to watch. Then we have the performances; I'm gonna call out only 2: Campbell Scott as Ethan Thomas. His sleek, professional performance of the prosecutor was the best from the film. He doesn't twitch a smile neither he winks to the audience. He does what he has to, no questions asked and none of the silly crap. His best moment is his final speech near the end of the film. Then we have Jennifer Carpenter as the titular character. Even though she appears sporadically, she gave just about the greatest horror performance from the 2000's and I mean it! When I found out that she had done most of her "demonic" bodily contortions without the aid of visual effects and everything, I was like "just give her the damn award already". This was a dedicated performance and it shows brilliantly. From the supporting I also enjoyed Tom Wilkinson as Father Richard Moore which, in my opinion, is one of the best on-screen portrayal of a Father and Laura Linney in the lead role as Erin Bruner. I liked her performance too but she has done much better than that.
So, just like before taking up a new exercise regime or diet you should consul your doctor, you should ask yourself are you ready and are you prepared? Because if you're not, it will play with your head and might leave you disturbed...
8.1/10
