“The Autopsy of Jane Doe” (2016) is a horror film directed by André Øvredal and written by Ian Goldberg and Richard Naing. The movie stars Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch as a father and son coroner team who receive a mysterious body of a young woman (played by Olwen Catherine Kelly), which leads them down a terrifying path of supernatural discoveries.
The film received critical acclaim for its inventive storytelling, gripping performances, and unique twist on the horror genre. It was also a commercial success, earning $6.8 million at the box office against a budget of $5 million.
Plot Summary:
The film opens with the discovery of a grisly crime scene in a suburban home, where the police find the bodies of three people and a mysterious woman, Jane Doe, half-buried in the basement. The police bring the body of Jane Doe to the Tilden Mortuary, run by father and son coroners Tommy and Austin Tilden.
Tommy and Austin begin their autopsy on Jane Doe, but as they delve deeper into her body, they discover strange and inexplicable things. As they cut through her skin and organs, they find that her internal injuries are too severe for a woman who appears to be in perfect physical condition. Her organs are also in pristine condition, despite the fact that she has been buried in a shallow grave.
As the autopsy continues, strange occurrences begin to happen in the morgue, leading the father and son to realize that they are dealing with something much more sinister than they initially thought. They soon discover that Jane Doe is not just a corpse, but a conduit for an ancient evil force that has been unleashed upon them.
Review:
“The Autopsy of Jane Doe” is a masterful horror film that succeeds in creating a terrifying and suspenseful atmosphere. The movie is a slow burn, gradually building tension as the father and son coroners uncover the mysteries of Jane Doe’s body. The film is aided by a stellar cast, with Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch delivering standout performances as the Tilden family.
One of the standout features of the film is its use of sound design. The creaks, groans, and thumps of the old mortuary create a chilling atmosphere, and the score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans is haunting and memorable.
The movie’s twist ending is a highlight, adding an unexpected and satisfying conclusion to the film’s tense build-up. The reveal of the true nature of Jane Doe and the source of her supernatural abilities is both frightening and satisfying, making for a memorable and unique horror film.
“The Autopsy of Jane Doe” is a shining example of how to make a horror movie that is both scary and engaging. The movie’s success at the box office is a testament to its quality, and it is sure to remain a classic in the horror genre for years to come.
Conclusion:
Overall, “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” is a must-watch for horror fans. It is a well-crafted and inventive film that offers a fresh take on the genre. The movie’s success at the box office and critical acclaim are well-deserved, and it is sure to continue to be a fan favorite for years to come.