The Exorcism of Emily Rose
When a younger girl called Emily Rose dies, everyone puts blame on the exorcism which was performed on her by Father Moore prior to her death. The priest is arrested on suspicion of murder. The trial begins with lawyer Erin Bruner representing Moore, but it is not going to be easy, as no one wants to believe what Father Moore says is true.
Despite a mid-range budget of $19.0M, The Exorcism of Emily Rose became a box office phenomenon, earning $145.2M worldwide—a remarkable 664% return.
4 wins & 9 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) exhibits deliberately positioned narrative architecture, characteristic of Scott Derrickson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 2 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.3, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Emily Rose, a college student, experiences terrifying nocturnal visions at 3 AM, marking her descent from normal life into supernatural torment.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Erin meets Father Moore in jail and learns the disturbing details of Emily's death following an exorcism, forcing her to confront a case that challenges her rational worldview.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 62 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Dr. Briggs testifies that Emily suffered from psychotic epilepsy and that Father Moore's exorcism prevented proper medical treatment, delivering a devastating blow to the defense. The scientific explanation seems irrefutable., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 92 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The judge excludes critical testimony about Emily's spiritual experience, ruling it inadmissible. Father Moore faces certain conviction, and the spiritual dimension of Emily's story will die with her, unheard., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 98 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Erin delivers a powerful closing argument acknowledging both medical facts and spiritual reality. The jury deliberates. Father Moore is found guilty but receives time served, a compromise verdict that validates both perspectives. Emily is recognized as a witness to something beyond the material world., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Exorcism of Emily Rose's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Exorcism of Emily Rose against these established plot points, we can identify how Scott Derrickson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Exorcism of Emily Rose within the drama genre.
Scott Derrickson's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Scott Derrickson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Exorcism of Emily Rose takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Scott Derrickson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Scott Derrickson analyses, see The Day the Earth Stood Still, Deliver Us from Evil and Sinister.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Emily Rose, a college student, experiences terrifying nocturnal visions at 3 AM, marking her descent from normal life into supernatural torment.
Theme
Father Moore states in the courtroom that the case is about whether the spiritual world exists, introducing the central question of faith versus empiricism.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of defense attorney Erin Bruner, her career ambitions, and the courtroom world. Father Moore is charged with negligent homicide in Emily's death. Erin is assigned the case to boost her partnership prospects.
Disruption
Erin meets Father Moore in jail and learns the disturbing details of Emily's death following an exorcism, forcing her to confront a case that challenges her rational worldview.
Resistance
Erin debates taking the case and considers plea bargains. Father Moore insists on trial to tell Emily's story. Erin investigates Emily's background and medical history, gathering evidence while resisting the supernatural implications.
Act II
ConfrontationMirror World
Father Moore becomes Erin's spiritual counterpoint, representing unwavering faith. Their relationship will force Erin to examine whether empirical evidence is the only path to truth.
Premise
The trial begins with testimony from Emily's family, doctors, and witnesses. Flashbacks reveal Emily's possession experiences, seizures, and deterioration. The prosecution presents medical evidence while Erin builds the case for demonic possession.
Midpoint
Dr. Briggs testifies that Emily suffered from psychotic epilepsy and that Father Moore's exorcism prevented proper medical treatment, delivering a devastating blow to the defense. The scientific explanation seems irrefutable.
Opposition
Erin faces mounting pressure as the prosecution dominates. She experiences supernatural phenomena herself (3 AM encounters). The Archbishop pressures Father Moore to accept a plea deal. Erin's rationalist worldview begins to crack as evidence mounts that something beyond medicine occurred.
Collapse
The judge excludes critical testimony about Emily's spiritual experience, ruling it inadmissible. Father Moore faces certain conviction, and the spiritual dimension of Emily's story will die with her, unheard.
Crisis
Erin confronts her own crisis of faith and purpose. She must decide whether to abandon the case or fight for a truth that transcends courtroom rules. Father Moore provides spiritual counsel about Emily's choice to suffer for others.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Erin delivers a powerful closing argument acknowledging both medical facts and spiritual reality. The jury deliberates. Father Moore is found guilty but receives time served, a compromise verdict that validates both perspectives. Emily is recognized as a witness to something beyond the material world.