Movie Overview
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a 2016 horror-mystery thriller directed by Norwegian filmmaker André Øvredal. The film stars Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch as Tommy and Austin Tilden, a father-son duo who run a small-town coroner’s office. Their routine night takes a terrifying turn when a beautiful unidentified woman—the Jane Doe—is brought in for autopsy. As they examine her body, they discover strange injuries that defy explanation, including a severed tongue, burned lungs, and a fractured ankle. What begins as a standard procedure soon spirals into a nightmare of supernatural horror, forcing the two men to confront an ancient evil lurking within the corpse.
Directed by André Øvredal, known for Trollhunter, The Autopsy of Jane Doe masterfully blends forensic detail with psychological dread. The film’s confined setting—the morgue—creates an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the suspense. Brian Cox delivers a grounded performance as the pragmatic father, while Emile Hirsch portrays his skeptical son. Ophelia Lovibond appears in a supporting role as Emma, Austin’s girlfriend. The film explores themes of mortality, the unknown, and the limits of science when faced with the supernatural. Its tone is slow-burn horror, relying on tension and eerie revelations rather than jump scares.
Critically acclaimed, The Autopsy of Jane Doe holds an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 65/100 on Metacritic, with an IMDb score of 6.8/10. The film earned 8 wins and 10 nominations from various award bodies, including a Saturn Award nomination for Best Horror Film. Its 86-minute runtime ensures a tight, focused narrative that never overstays its welcome. Produced in the United Kingdom and released in 2016, the movie is rated R for disturbing violent content and language.
For fans of intelligent horror, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a must-watch. Stream it now on Netflix to experience a masterclass in tension and storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of Brian Cox, Emile Hirsch, or André Øvredal’s work, this film delivers a uniquely unsettling journey into the macabre. Add it to your watch list today for a chilling night in.
