The Autopsy of Jane Doe Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A couple of morticians cut open a mysterious corpse and accidentally unleash a centuries-old witch who’s *really* bad at staying dead.

🍿 The Autopsy of Jane Doe: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Discovery

Sheriff Sheldon arrives at the Tilden family morgue with an unidentified female corpse, discovered at a gruesome crime scene. The family in the house had been brutally murdered. He needs a cause of death by morning. Tommy Tilden and his son Austin agree to take on the case. Austin cancels his date with his girlfriend, Emma, to help his father. The body, soon dubbed ‘Jane Doe,’ presents a host of anomalies that defy conventional explanation.

The Autopsy Begins

Tommy and Austin commence the autopsy, meticulously documenting their findings. Externally, Jane Doe shows no signs of trauma. Internally, they discover shattered bones, a severed tongue, and charred lungs, indicating a violent and agonizing death. As the autopsy progresses, strange occurrences plague the morgue: the radio malfunctions, lights flicker, and a growing sense of dread permeates the atmosphere. The cat is found injured in the vents, and is subsequently euthanized.

Supernatural Disturbances

The anomalies escalate as the coroners delve deeper. They find a cloth containing Roman numerals and a Bible verse relating to witchcraft. The bodies in the morgue storage units start to move on their own, adding to the fear in the morgue. Tommy and Austin attempt to escape, but the morgue seems to be actively preventing them from leaving. The storm outside intensifies, mirroring the chaos within the morgue.

Desperate Measures

In a moment of panic, Tommy and Austin try to incinerate Jane Doe. This attempt fails, and they find the camera recording the autopsy has been destroyed. They also accidentally kill Austin’s girlfriend Emma as the morgue’s supernatural forces continue to terrorize them. Devastated, Tommy pushes for finishing the autopsy, believing the key to stopping the events lies within Jane Doe herself.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tommy (Brian Cox): A seasoned small-town coroner who is determined to uncover the secrets of Jane Doe, even at great personal cost.
• Austin (Emile Hirsch): Tommy’s son and assistant, who is torn between his family obligations and his desire for a different life.
• Jane Doe (Olwen Catherine Kelly): The mysterious and unidentified corpse whose autopsy unleashes a series of terrifying supernatural events.
• Sheriff Burke (Michael McElhatton): The local sheriff who brings Jane Doe’s body to the Tildens, seeking a quick explanation for the bizarre crime scene.
• Emma (Ophelia Lovibond): Austin’s girlfriend, whose curiosity leads to tragic consequences as the supernatural events unfold.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tommy: “To make sure he’s dead. There used to be a time it was hard to tell a comatose person from a dead one, so coroners tied bells to everybody in the morgue. So if they heard a ‘ting’, they knew somebody down there wasn’t quite ready to go.” – Tommy explains the purpose of the bell tied to a corpse’s ankle to Emma, foreshadowing the supernatural events to come.
• Tommy: “Well, I’m… I’m a bit of a traditionalist.” – Tommy’s response to Emma’s question about why he still uses the bell, adding a touch of dark humor and tradition to the scene.
• Tommy: “There are secrets here. We just have to find them.” – Tommy expresses his determination to uncover the truth behind Jane Doe’s mysterious death.
• Tommy: “Whatever they did to her, it didn’t work. It made her stronger.” – Tommy realizes the horrifying truth about Jane Doe’s transformation and the consequences of the brutal acts inflicted upon her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,474
• Worldwide Gross: $6,170,043

💥 The Autopsy of Jane Doe Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into this movie. The idea of an autopsy slowly revealing a dark secret was so unique. I love how the tension built gradually, with each cut and discovery making me more uneasy. The acting was also superb, and Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch had great chemistry. My favorite scene was when they find the rose inside Jane Doe, such a symbolic moment. The ending was bleak, but it made me think.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Horror fans looking for a suspenseful and intelligent story.”
  • “Viewers interested in medical thrillers with supernatural elements.”
  • “Fans of Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch.”
  • “Those who appreciate slow-burn horror that focuses on atmosphere and character development.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic autopsy scenes and disturbing imagery.”
  • “Violence and gore.”
  • “Some frightening scenes and jump scares.”
  • “Thematic elements related to witchcraft and torture.”

Professional Reviews

• Bloody Disgusting: “The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a masterclass in building tension. The claustrophobic setting and methodical pacing create a consistently unsettling atmosphere. Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch deliver compelling performances, grounding the increasingly bizarre events in a believable reality. A genuinely creepy and intelligent horror film that lingers long after the credits roll.
• JoBlo.com: “Director André Øvredal crafts a suspenseful and disturbing horror experience. The film blends elements of mystery and supernatural horror effectively. The meticulous autopsy scenes are both fascinating and unsettling. The Autopsy of Jane Doe provides a unique and genuinely frightening cinematic experience. There are minimal jump scares and there is lots of mystery.

Audience Reactions

The slow-burn suspense and creepy atmosphere kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.: Viewers praised the film’s unique premise and the realistic portrayal of the autopsy process.

Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch delivered outstanding performances as the father-son coroner duo.: Fans loved the acting and said the actors made the story believable.

Overall Consensus: The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a well-crafted horror film that combines mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. While some found the ending divisive, most praised its originality, atmosphere, and strong performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Olwen Catherine Kelly, who played Jane Doe, had the challenging role of remaining still for long periods, contributing significantly to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.”
• “Director André Øvredal’s previous film was ‘Troll Hunter,’ and there is a subtle nod to it in ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’ with the word ‘Troll’ appearing in the special thanks section of the credits.”
• “The film deliberately uses practical effects and minimal CGI to enhance the realistic and claustrophobic feel of the autopsy room.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Autopsy of Jane Doe?

The Autopsy of Jane Doe is currently available for streaming on various platforms, including Shudder, AMC+, and Tubi, with ads. It is also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Autopsy of Jane Doe, you might like these similar films:

• The Witch (2015): Deals with themes of witchcraft, paranoia, and historical horror in a similar unsettling atmosphere.
• Session 9 (2001): Claustrophobic, psychological horror set in a single location with a slowly unraveling mystery and a building sense of dread.
• Grave Encounters (2011): Set in a mental hospital, this film shares themes of supernatural horror and the dark side of human experimentation.
• REC (2007): Like ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’, this movie builds tension through claustrophobic settings and a gradual reveal of supernatural horror.

🛒 The Autopsy of Jane Doe Related Products

• Witchcraft for Beginners: A Guide to Wiccan Beliefs, Rituals, Magic, and Witchcraft: Delve into the history and practices of witchcraft with this beginner-friendly guide. Learn about Wiccan beliefs, rituals, and spells, perfect for fans fascinated by the movie’s supernatural themes. It’s more than just a book; it’s a gateway to a magical journey, packed with practical advice and ancient wisdom to awaken your inner witch.
• Anatomical Skeleton Model, Human Skeleton Model (18-Inch): This detailed miniature skeleton model is a great educational tool for studying human anatomy, similar to what the coroners in the movie would use. Perfect for those fascinated by the human body. This model doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it’s a hands-on experience, providing a realistic view of the human skeletal structure and adding a unique touch to any collector’s display.
• Ouija Board Classic: This classic spirit board game is perfect for horror movie fans. Communicate with the other side using this mysterious board, perfect for those fascinated by supernatural elements and adds an eerie touch to any game night. Experience the thrill of connecting with the unknown, as you ask questions and watch the planchette glide across the board, delivering mysterious messages from beyond.
• The Salem Witch Trials: A Day-by-Day Chronicle of a Community Under Siege: A detailed historical account of the Salem Witch Trials, exploring the events and hysteria that led to the persecution of accused witches. Offers insights into the historical context of the witch trials, providing a deeper understanding of the film’s themes. This gripping book immerses you in the chilling events of 1692 Salem, revealing the human stories behind the accusations and offering a profound look into a community torn apart by fear and suspicion.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Autopsy of Jane Doe features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Farming Man” – performed by Tennessee River Crooks

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

10 BEST Horror Movies on Netflix!

Looking for more great horror movies on Netflix? This video shares some of the best options out there, including a recommendation for “The Autopsy of Jane Doe”. Check it out!

✨ Rate