10 Horror Films Where Only One Person Dies
8. The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005)
Scott Derrickson's The Exorcism of Emily Rose seemingly did the impossible combing the paranormal with a courtroom drama. It works one around the other so well with masterful story-telling and an impressive mixing of genres.
Laura Linney stars as a lawyer representing a priest charged with negligent homicide. Flashbacks reveal that Father Richard was attempting to exorcise the titular Emily Rose. But is he responsible for her death? Or can the courts reconcile that much darker forces are at work?
Emily Rose takes its basis from the real-life exorcism and subsequent death of Anneliese Michel. Due to its clever narrative structure, the film artfully weaves Emily Rose's chilling descent into the demonic around the courtroom scenes, wherein Linney's character struggles with her defense. The richly written script and well-rounded characters ensure we see everything from both sides and are never truly sure what really happened.
The strong performances also makes the one death in the film incredibly tragic. From the outset we know Jennifer Carpenter's Emily Rose hasn't survived. However when we finally witness the tormented girl accept her fate "for the greater good," it is heartbreaking.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose truly is proof that with all the right ingredients, a body count is not essential in crafting a great horror film.