Haunted Possession or Illness? The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Many times signs of mental or physical illness are hailed as demonic possession. While I personally do not believe in demons but this specific case of demonic exorcism shook me to the core. Based on the real-life incident of a normal college-going student, the movie “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is considered one of the best exorcism movies ever made. However, it is still a question- Did Emily really die because of an exorcism or it was a medical negligence? I am writing this article to shed light on the real story of Emily Rose, the tragic pain she endured, and the importance of handling such cases with utmost care and consideration for mental and physical well-being.

Plot of the Movie

"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" follows Father Moore, a Catholic priest charged with negligent homicide in the death of Emily Rose, a young woman believed to have been possessed by demonic forces. Jennifer Carpenter's acting felt so real and authentic in this movie as Emily's life takes a terrifying turn as she starts experiencing unexplainable phenomena, such as hearing strange voices, seeing disturbing visions, and exhibiting erratic behavior. Unable to find a logical explanation for her affliction, her family turns to religious faith for answers.

Jennifer Carpenter as Emily Rose, Source: Google Play

Real Story

In reality, Emily Rose was Anneliese Michel, a young German woman born in 1952. She came from a devoutly religious family who firmly believed in the concept of demonic possession. In her late teens, Anneliese started showing signs of a severe medical condition, initially diagnosed as epilepsy. However, the symptoms worsened over time, and her health began to deteriorate rapidly. *Sensitive image ahead*

Annaliese Before and After, Source: FrightFind

Anneliese's parents, heavily influenced by their orthodox religious beliefs, refused conventional medical treatment and instead sought help from exorcists to rid their daughter of what they believed was demonic possession. Over the course of several months, Anneliese underwent multiple exorcism sessions, where the rituals were conducted by two Catholic priests, Ernst Alt, and Arnold Renz.

Lack of Proper Medical Care

During the exorcisms, Anneliese's health continued to decline. The young woman was subjected to grueling and physically exhausting rituals, which included being deprived of food and water for extended periods. In her weakened state, she suffered severe injuries, including broken teeth and bones. Shockingly, her desperate parents were convinced that these torments were necessary to free her from the grasp of evil.

Fatal Outcome

Despite her deteriorating health, the exorcisms persisted. Tragically, on July 1, 1976, Anneliese Michel succumbed to the relentless strain on her body and passed away at the young age of 23. An autopsy revealed that her death was due to severe malnutrition and dehydration, highlighting the grave consequences of overlooking her health condition in the name of spiritual belief.

Court Case

In this pivotal courtroom drama, the prosecution presents a rational and scientific argument, claiming that Emily's tragic demise was a result of medical neglect rather than demonic possession. The defense, on the other hand, argues that Emily was indeed possessed and that the exorcism was a necessary spiritual battle to save her soul.

As the trial unfolds, the audience is confronted with a riveting clash between faith and logic, as well as the blurred lines between the supernatural and reality. The court scenes are masterfully portrayed, showcasing powerful performances from the legal teams, witnesses, and the accused priest. Ultimately, the trial leads to a thought-provoking and ambiguous conclusion, leaving the viewers to contemplate the mystery of the human psyche and the existence of evil.

The real-life court case that followed the death of Anneliese during the exorcism was equally controversial and heart-wrenching as seen on screen. Anneliese's parents and the two priests who performed the exorcism were charged with negligent homicide, as the court attempted to determine whether the girl's death was due to a lack of proper medical care or genuine demonic possession.

In the courtroom, medical experts provided explanations for Anneliese's behavior, attributing it to underlying medical conditions. On the other side, the defense argued that traditional medicine was ineffective, and the priests genuinely believed they were fighting evil spirits to save the young woman's soul.

Source: Vocal Media

Handling Such Cases with Care

The gut-wrenching story of Anneliese Michel highlights the importance of never dismissing health conditions as mere possessions. While faith and spirituality play a significant role in many people's lives, they must not be allowed to take medical care and sound judgment. Anneliese's suffering could have been prevented had her parents sought professional medical help alongside their religious convictions.

It is essential to approach cases of perceived possession with empathy, compassion, and open-mindedness. Individuals experiencing unexplained behavioral or psychological issues require careful evaluation and support from both mental health professionals and religious authorities, if applicable. Collaborative efforts can help understand the underlying reasons for their distress and ensure they receive the appropriate medical and psychological care.

Source: Veronique Laurent

The story of Annaliese Michel truly breaks my heart. Her tragic and untimely demise points out the dangers of neglecting health conditions in the name of spiritual beliefs. We must identify and respect the balance between faith and science. Never reject the value of medical intervention and empathy for the sake of your loved ones. 

Thanks for reading, until next time

Daman