Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this isn't unwatchable, but it's also not great. The 2005 PG-13 horror vibes feel tame compared to what's come since, yet it's still too intense for most young teens. The courtroom framing is genuinely clever and creates space for interesting discussions about faith, mental illness, and evidence—but it also makes the movie slow and talky.

The horror elements are effective enough (those 3 AM sequences still work), but by 2025 standards, this feels dated. Modern teens raised on elevated horror like Hereditary or The Conjuring universe will find this either quaint or boring. The 46% critic score tells you what you need to know: it's middling.

If you have a 16-17 year old who's into true crime, courtroom dramas, and isn't easily spooked, this could spark good conversations about religious freedom and medical ethics. But honestly? Most families can skip this. It's not enriching enough to justify the intensity, and it's not scary enough to satisfy horror fans. It's stuck in an awkward middle ground where it'll bore some kids and disturb others.

Age Fit

This is strictly for mature teens 16+ who can handle intense horror and aren't easily frightened by demonic content. Younger teens will either be bored by the courtroom scenes or traumatized by the possession sequences—there's no sweet spot here for middle schoolers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

Horror-thriller built around demonic possession, exorcism, and death of a young woman. Features disturbing imagery, psychological torment, and themes of religious trauma. While it explores faith vs. science thoughtfully, the core content involves a girl's suffering and death, making it emotionally heavy and not age-appropriate for most kids.

Imaginative

58

Blends courtroom drama with supernatural horror in an interesting way, exploring the tension between faith and rationality. Based on a true story (Anneliese Michel case), it takes a creative approach by framing the exorcism through legal proceedings. However, it's more cerebral thriller than truly imaginative storytelling—it doesn't invite creative expression or exploration, just contemplation of its premise.

Safe

15

Intense horror content including graphic possession scenes, disturbing contortions, screaming, self-harm implications, and traumatic death. Common Sense Media rates it 15+. Contains jump scares, demonic imagery, and deeply unsettling sequences that would be inappropriate and potentially traumatizing for younger viewers. The 3 AM sequences are specifically designed to terrify. This is not 'surprise' horror in a family film—it's intentional horror, but still scores low on safety for family viewing.

Enriching

62

Raises genuinely interesting questions about faith, science, mental illness, and the justice system. The courtroom framework creates space for philosophical debate about belief and evidence. Could spark meaningful discussions about religious freedom, medical ethics, and how we understand unexplained phenomena. However, entertainment value is mixed—it's slow-paced, talky, and the horror elements feel dated by 2025 standards.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely interesting premise blending legal drama with supernatural horror—the courtroom framework creates space for faith vs. science debates
Based on a real case (Anneliese Michel), which adds historical weight and could prompt research into religious practices and mental health treatment
More thoughtful than typical horror—raises questions about religious freedom, medical ethics, and how society handles the unexplainable
Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson deliver solid performances that elevate the material above standard possession fare

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What to Watch For

Intense possession scenes with contortions, screaming, and disturbing imagery that can be genuinely frightening and potentially traumatizing for younger teens
The film depicts a young woman's suffering and death in detail—this is heavy, sad content that requires emotional maturity
Slow courtroom pacing means long stretches of talking between horror moments; modern kids raised on faster content may find it boring
The 3 AM 'witching hour' sequences are designed to create lasting fear—some teens may develop anxiety around nighttime
Religious content is central—presents both faith-based and skeptical perspectives, but the subject matter itself is intense

Conversation Starters

"Do you think Emily was possessed or mentally ill? Can both things be true at once?"
"The movie shows how hard it is to prove something supernatural in court. What kind of evidence would you need to believe in possession?"
"Father Moore chose to respect Emily's wishes even though it led to her death. When should we let people make their own choices about medical treatment vs. religion?"
"How do you think doctors and priests should work together when someone believes they're possessed?"
"The film is based on a real case from the 1970s. How do you think this situation would be handled differently today?"

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