The Autopsy of Jane Doe is an Eerie Film

Every body has a secret.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe emerged in theaters in 2016. An unknown deceased woman is discovered in a grim crime scene. Taken to the morgue, a father and son perform an autopsy on the body. As strange occurrences happen, they realize that this is no ordinary woman.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe is one of the best horror films I’ve seen in a long time. Have you ever thought what it would be like to work in a morgue? Conveying a dark atmosphere, this story keeps you guessing as to what is really at play.

Brian Cox and Emile Hirsche are magnificent in their performances. They did their research for this morbid business, often cracking dark jokes. While Cox manifests an emotional monologue, Hirsche is the standout. His performance was riveting, displaying raw emotions. The film is about Tommy and Austin’s father-son relationship as they relay secrets.

One aspect that I never thought the film would explore is the character’s empathy for the situation, instead of acting like their job is nothing. You don’t see that in films with this subject matter.

Here’s another question. Have you ever thought what it would be like to play a dead body? Olwen Catherine Kelly had a difficult role indeed, playing the dead body of Jane Doe. Having to remain as stiff as humanly possible and be naked on a table in front of cast members and the crew, Kelly used meditation in her daring performance.

There’s something not right about Jane Doe. As we discover more about this woman’s past, staring into her glassy eyes becomes all the more daunting.

Talk about a setting and an occupation that you’d rather avoid. Morgues always make dark settings. It was a clever idea to have their business underground. One idea that I never thought about is that a mortician has more than just one job. Aside from the autopsy, they also investigate theories regarding murders to give some peace to the dead.

This is the movie for anyone who wants to learn more about writing dark comedy. Right at the start, the characters listen to rock music as they perform an autopsy.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe is not a film for everybody, depicting body horror. How much/what kind of research was done for this film? Viewers are subjected to observing the disturbing depictions of an autopsy. It’s not a pleasant experience. Gruesome and bloody images are shown of the insides of a body. There are also noises that you don’t want to hear.

Andre Ovredal made this film authentic. The cinematography is excellent. Every shot is set up with purpose. The morgue's cold, sterile environment is juxtaposed with intense close-ups that amplify the unease.

Ovredal imposed the right terror-inducing horror tone and unexpected jump scares. Supernatural and psychological horror are mixed together. He also threw the audience off a couple of times. The pacing is commendable, allowing the story to gradually unfold and maintain a sense of dread.

I had several theories as to what the outcome was for the story. Things get weirder as the autopsy continues until the characters try to flee the twisted halls of the morgue in terror, but are trapped in the darkness with several dead bodies. This film knows the right horror and jump scares.

I was kept guessing at every moment as the music intensified. I recommend that you do research prior to watching this film. If you find it’s up your alley, you should check out The Autopsy of Jane Doe. It gives goosebumps.