Fridae

Seen the horror hit The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) starring Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson? Liked it? Well, here's another version of the same true story � and possibly a more authentic one too.

The Hollywood version had taken a real-life incident that happened in Germany in the 70s, and turned it into a modern-day Hollywood horror film complete with special effects and a thundering soundtrack. This new German version, on the other hand, tries to remain true to the events surrounding the death of Anneliese Michel, a 23-year-old girl who died in 1976 after apparently being possessed by six demons.

Stage actress Sandra Huller gives a moving performance as a shy small-town girl who leaves the comforts of her home to enter university. Separated from her church and family, she begins to suffer dramatic epileptic seizures and hallucinations. She believes that she is possessed, and undergoes an exorcism ritual by a young priest.

Compared to the Hollywood version, Requiem is a subtler and more restrained. It does away with the fancy pyrotechnic and focuses on the struggles of the protagonist. It never makes clear whether is she really was possessed or simply delusional. But it does depict her pain and loneliness in very real terms, making you feel for her every step of the way.

As such, it is less a horror film than a moving psychological drama about one girl's journey towards a painful death. If you're looking for an intelligent film that examines metaphysical questions regarding self, society and religion, this would be a good bet.