The autopsy of Jane Doe (2016). A review.

This relatively unknown movie, right now available on Netflix, was a pleasant surprise for many reasons -the first being that it is not what you could expect from the title and the blurb: “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 harbouring dark secrets.”

I mean, it sounds like a hardboiled noir, a thriller, right? Well, no, it is not. It is a gripping paranormal horror of the best tradition. Even more interesting is that the movie slowly changes character under your eyes, with mounting evidence of something supernatural at work. I must admit it has some genuinely unsettling moments, which was a welcome novelty (the majority of horror movies around can’t even scare a schoolboy).

If I have a criticism, it is in the logic behind the story of Jane Doe (which I won’t discuss here to avoid spoilers) and the conclusion (which could have been a little bit more creative, after such a great job in the development). But, in the overall economy of the movie, these details do not make a difference and don’t take away the pleasure.

(Unsurprisingly, in my view) Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a pretty good review, with 87% rating and this critique: “The Autopsy of Jane Doe subverts the gruesome expectations triggered by its title to deliver a smart, suggestively creepy thriller that bolsters director AndrΓ© Ovredal’s growing reputation.” For once, I am in agreement with them. Oh, and you want another reason to watch it? Stephen King allegedly said: “THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE: Visceral horror to rival ALIEN and early Cronenberg. Watch it, but not alone.”

In the meantime, you can watch the trailer here:

6 Comments

  1. Captain's Quarters

    I will ask the first mate about this one and see if he has heard of it. He likes the genre. I am not big into horror because it mostly bores me but this might be okay. Thanks matey!
    x The Captain

    Reply
    1. Steph P. Bianchini (Post author)

      Hope you enjoy, Captain! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. maddalena@spaceandsorcery

    WOW! The premise would have been good for a mystery thriller, but the horror elements should make an intriguing addition! I will need to see if this movie is in the Netflix catalog for my country, because now I’m curious… πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  3. Steph P. Bianchini (Post author)

    I think you might like it. It is an interesting crossover, and should be available on Netflix in US -otherwise, just use a VPN πŸ™‚

    Reply
  4. jeanleesworld

    I watched it on your recommendation, and enjoyed it mightily. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
    1. Steph P. Bianchini (Post author)

      Happy you enjoyed it! I did, too πŸ™‚

      Reply

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