Horror Marathon: The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

We have a potentially packed watch list this year so I’m putting in a random film between the main feature. In fact, I watched The Autopsy of Jane Doe in September however it is still creeping me out till this very moment that I am writing up the review. Did I just spoil my own review? Anyways, if its taken such a long time to write, that’s honestly the reason…

Lets just check it out!

The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

Director: André Ovredal

Cast: Brian Cox, Emile Hirsch, Ophelia Lovibond, Michael McElhatton, Olwen Catherine Kelly

A father and son, both coroners, are pulled into a complex mystery while attempting to identify the body of a young woman, who was apparently harboring dark secrets. – IMDB

The Autopsy of Jane Doe isn’t quite categorized as a flat out horror because other than the whole autopsy part, it is really a suspense/mystery thriller with horror elements. However, this indie film fits right into this month because it scared the absolute sh*t out of me. It is tense for a huge part of the film. The film takes its time to really let a still corpse have character. How the heck does someone do that? I have no idea at all but damn, did everything just come together. Sure, there were some parts that were tropes and predictable moments but a well executed psychological thriller will make you think and piece together the clues and stew in those thoughts. There is so much detail and so many great moments.

The main story focus on a father and son relationship who both work at the morgue and are responsible for the autopsy. The best part is that the story unfolds as they perform each step into the autopsy. The father is played by Brian Cox and the son by Emile Hirsch. While their personal story has some part in the story, what is refreshing is that the story remembers to focus on the mystery in the forefront making it less about personal drama however the parts of personal drama does shape these characters throughout the story progression. Actually, everything happens does drive these characters to be stronger and for the audience to bond more with them and see the father and son bond as well.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a rather slow-paced experience however, it works to its advantages because it knows when to use the proper imagery to create the suspense and do its proper reveals. I’m keeping this vague mostly because this movie is one to be experienced on your own. I do think that perhaps the end wasn’t exactly as strong however, it still has a lingering effect. Its one that truly delivers in mystery, suspense and horror and even for myself, lingering fear because the horror elements here are still done so very well. Its a one of a kind psychological thriller/mystery/horror experience that after almost a month still is on my mind.