The basic plot of ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’ is fairly evident from the title. It makes it sound so simple, and the simplicity of the story works in the film’s favour – in the beginning, at least. Two coroners, who are also father and son, are brought an unidentified body in an urgent attempt to solve the mystery surrounding her death. It is an interesting concept to bring supernatural horror into the logical and scientific setting of a morgue, as well as to restrict the number of settings and characters of the film. It primarily takes place in the morgue, which does give it a sense of claustrophobia. I couldn’t help but think about how it would have made a brilliant bottle episode – ‘Inside No.9’ style – especially considering the ridiculousness of the ending and the explanations which I imagine will bother some viewers as it does disrupt the initial simplicity of the story and takes it to some weird places, but it is also enjoyable at the same time.
This film is guilty of the occasional jump scare and it is incredibly obvious when they’re about to happen, but it doesn’t go overboard. Besides, this is a forgivable offence considering the tension it manages to build particularly in the beginning of the film. The best scares don’t involve loud noises or violence, but the camera’s fixation on Jane Doe’s face; her eyes are grey and she just stares at you, with what looks like a slightly angry expression that got under my skin. The film could have done with a longer third act, because while the fast pace is relieving after a slow, tension-filled beginning, the ending feels a little rushed. On the other hand, I do appreciate the bleak outcome of the film and really enjoyed it overall.
This is a very interesting film that I enjoyed despite the occasional jump scare. It’s well-made and has a good cast – however, Ophelia Lovibond’s character, Emma, does seem pointless. It does a good job establishing the main characters in the beginning though, which is impressive considering the short amount of time it had to do so. It could have been improved if it had kept the simplicity of the plot throughout the whole film, because the explanation is over the top and does feel a bit out of place. However, it is definitely worth watching because there are still plenty of things to like about it.
This film is guilty of the occasional jump scare and it is incredibly obvious when they’re about to happen, but it doesn’t go overboard. Besides, this is a forgivable offence considering the tension it manages to build particularly in the beginning of the film. The best scares don’t involve loud noises or violence, but the camera’s fixation on Jane Doe’s face; her eyes are grey and she just stares at you, with what looks like a slightly angry expression that got under my skin. The film could have done with a longer third act, because while the fast pace is relieving after a slow, tension-filled beginning, the ending feels a little rushed. On the other hand, I do appreciate the bleak outcome of the film and really enjoyed it overall.
This is a very interesting film that I enjoyed despite the occasional jump scare. It’s well-made and has a good cast – however, Ophelia Lovibond’s character, Emma, does seem pointless. It does a good job establishing the main characters in the beginning though, which is impressive considering the short amount of time it had to do so. It could have been improved if it had kept the simplicity of the plot throughout the whole film, because the explanation is over the top and does feel a bit out of place. However, it is definitely worth watching because there are still plenty of things to like about it.
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