The True Story Behind The Exorcism Of Emily Rose

The movie “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is based on the real-life story of Anneliese Michel, a young German woman who underwent a series of exorcisms in the 1970s. Michel was born in 1952 and grew up in a devoutly Catholic family. She began experiencing epileptic seizures when she was 16, and her condition worsened over the years.

In 1975, Michel began exhibiting strange behaviour, including self-harm and refusal to eat. Her parents, who believed that she was possessed by demons, sought the help of two local Catholic priests, Father Arnold Renz and Father Ernst Alt. The priests believed that Michel was indeed possessed and began performing exorcisms on her.

Over the course of 10 months, Michel underwent nearly 70 exorcisms, during which she spoke in different voices, exhibited superhuman strength, and displayed aversion to religious objects. The exorcisms were physically and emotionally exhausting for Michel, and she became increasingly frail and weak.

In 1976, Michel died of malnutrition and dehydration. Her parents and the two priests were charged with negligent homicide, as it was found that Michel had been denied medical treatment and had died as a result of the exorcisms.

The trial that followed was highly publicized and drew worldwide attention. The defence argued that Michel had been possessed by demons and that the exorcisms were necessary to save her soul. The prosecution argued that Michel had been suffering from a mental illness and that the exorcisms had exacerbated her condition.

In the end, Michel’s parents and the two priests were found guilty of manslaughter and were sentenced to six months in jail, which was later suspended. The case has continued to generate controversy and debate, with some viewing Michel as a victim of religious fanaticism and others seeing her as a martyr who died while fighting evil forces.

“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” was loosely based on the story of Anneliese Michel, and while it took some creative liberties with the facts, it brought attention to a tragic and disturbing case that raises questions about the limits of religious freedom and the dangers of superstition and fanaticism.