A Top 13 for Scare Me Please!
Introduction
In the realm of horror cinema, few films have managed to captivate audiences with the same chilling intensity as “The Autopsy of Jane Doe”. Directed by André Øvreda, this masterfully crafted tale takes viewers on a harrowing journey into the macabre world of forensic pathology, where every incision reveals not only the secrets of the dead but also the horrors that lie beyond the veil of death itself. At the heart of the movie lies its titular character, an unidentified corpse discovered at a gruesome crime scene. As father-son coroners Tommy and Austin Tilden meticulously dissect Jane Doe’s body, they unwittingly unravel a sinister mystery that defies rational explanation. What begins as a routine autopsy soon descends into a nightmare of supernatural terror, as the Tildens confront malevolent forces that challenge their understanding of life, death, and the afterlife. Through a series of eerie revelations and bone-chilling encounters, the film plunges viewers into a realm where the line between the living and the dead blurs into an abyss of dread and despair.
Horror Elements
Jane Doe’s identity and the cause of her death are unknown throughout the film. This mysterious element creates a sense of dread and uncertainty, as the characters, and the audience, are left grappling with the inexplicable. As the autopsy progresses, the examination of Jane Doe’s body reveals increasingly bizarre and supernatural phenomena. These phenomena, such as inexplicable injuries, internal anomalies, and signs of torture, serve as the primary source of horror and tension in the film. Jane Doe’s body seems to possess a malevolent intelligence, as it manipulates the environment of the morgue and the characters conducting the autopsy. This manipulation leads to escalating chaos and terror as the night unfolds.
The film’s musical score is used sparingly but effectively to underscore key moments of tension or horror. It builds gradually, intensifying the atmosphere and signaling impending danger. Faint whispers and murmurs occasionally punctuate the silence, suggesting unseen entities or unsettling the characters as they delve deeper into Jane Doe’s mysteries. Jump scares are accentuated by sudden, jarring noises, such as a loud bang or a piercing scream. These moments startle both the characters and the audience, heightening the film’s tension. As the supernatural events escalate, sounds become distorted or warped, creating an unsettling auditory experience. This distortion contributes to the sense of disorientation and fear experienced by the characters. The radio in the morgue intermittently broadcasts news reports or music, adding to the sense of isolation and claustrophobia. These broadcasts often serve as a stark contrast to the eerie events unfolding in the morgue. I especially like how the news reporter, while the tension builds within the scene, makes the comment, “One thing’s for sure, you’re not going anywhere”, almost as if the reporter is yet another manipulation of the Jane Doe corpse (which we find out at the very end, it is).
Central to the film’s unnerving impact is its meticulously crafted atmosphere of dread. Set primarily within the claustrophobic confines of Tildens’ mortuary, the film creates a sense of isolation and confinement that intensifies the psychological tension. Every creak of the floorboards, every flicker of the lights, and every shadowy corner becomes a harbinger of impending terror, heightening the audience’s sense of unease with each passing moment. Through its deft use of lighting, sound design, and cinematography, “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” envelops viewers in a suffocating blanket of fear, trapping them in a nightmarish labyrinth from which there is no escape.
One of the best parts of this movie was the realistic dialogue, actions, and science behind each scene. Maybe I’m biased having majored in sport and nutritional sciences, but the anatomical horrors during the autopsy really got to me. For example, seeing the clouding of the eyes after knowing the time of death terrified me beyond belief, even before the character’s explanation. The alarm bells in my head kept screaming “That shouldn’t be happening!”. I also loved how realistic the progression of the character’s fear and actions were. At first, when the son starts to get spooked, suggesting they just leave and finish the autopsy in the morning, the father completely goes into “Dad Mode” telling his son, “When we start something, we finish it”. As the events of the evening turn from creepy to flat-out supernatural horror, the dad instead says something to the effect of “let’s get the eff out of here”. I loved this as it’s totally how I’d envision the scene progression going down.
Movie Elements
Jane Doe represents more than just a deceased body; she symbolizes the mysteries and horrors of death itself. Through her, the film explores themes of mortality, the unknown, and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human comprehension.
Anchoring the film’s visceral impact are the performances of Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch, who deliver haunting portrayals of the father-son coroner duo. Cox brings a world-weary gravitas to the role of Tommy Tilden, a seasoned professional whose belief in the scientific method is shaken to its core by the horrors he encounters. Opposite him, Hirsch imbues Austin Tilden with raw vulnerability, embodying the desperation of a son grappling with forces beyond his comprehension. Together, their performances elevate the film beyond mere genre fare, imbuing it with a sense of emotional resonance that lingers long after the credits roll.
The film begins with a slow and methodical introduction, establishing the setting of the small-town morgue and introducing the main characters, father and son coroners Tommy and Austin Tilden. This initial setup allows viewers to become acquainted with the environment and the protagonists before the supernatural elements are introduced. As Tommy and Austin begin the autopsy of Jane Doe, the pacing remains measured as they methodically examine her body. Clues and hints about Jane Doe’s mysterious background are gradually revealed, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued as they try to unravel the mystery alongside the characters. As the autopsy progresses, strange and inexplicable phenomena begin to occur within the morgue, signaling the escalation of supernatural forces at play. The pacing starts to quicken as these events become more frequent and intense, ratcheting up the tension and suspense.
Midpoint of the film marks a significant shift in pacing, as the supernatural occurrences intensify and the characters find themselves increasingly threatened by unknown forces. The pacing becomes more frenetic during moments of terror and danger, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The film employs well-timed cliffhangers and reveals to maintain momentum and keep the audience engaged. As the mystery surrounding Jane Doe deepens, the pacing becomes more dynamic, with moments of quiet tension punctuated by bursts of intense horror and revelation. The film’s climax delivers a satisfying resolution to the mystery of Jane Doe while ramping up the tension to its peak. The pacing becomes relentless as Tommy and Austin confront the malevolent forces within the morgue, leading to a final showdown that provides catharsis for the characters and the audience alike.
Utilized within the film is tight framing and narrow compositions to emphasize the cramped and claustrophobic nature of the morgue setting. Close-up shots of the characters and the autopsy table convey a sense of confinement, amplifying the feeling of isolation and vulnerability. The film utilizes subjective camera angles to convey the characters’ perspectives and heighten tension during moments of terror. Low-angle shots looking up from the autopsy table or high-angle shots looking down on the characters create a sense of vulnerability and unease. The morgue is predominantly lit with dim, harsh lighting, casting deep shadows and obscuring details. This low-key lighting scheme creates an ominous atmosphere and adds to the sense of mystery and unease surrounding Jane Doe’s body.
One of the main reasons this movie gets a spot on our “Top 13” list is for its originality; I’ve never watched a horror film quite like it. The entertainment factor is also up there as I’ve no joke, probably watched the movie over close to 20 times. More importantly, I have been scared by this movie each and every viewing despite knowing exactly how the film will play out. Considering how many horror movies are out there, it’s really got to be something special for me to want to rewatch it that many times.
Conclusion
In “The Autopsy of Jane Doe,” André Øvredal has crafted a modern horror masterpiece that transcends the conventions of the genre. Through its chilling narrative, atmospheric setting, and powerhouse performances, the film offers a profound meditation on mortality, terror, and the fragility of human existence. As viewers are drawn deeper into the mysteries of the Tildens’ mortuary, they confront not only the horrors lurking within its walls but also the dark recesses of their own fears and uncertainties. In the end, “The Autopsy of Jane Doe” stands as a testament to the enduring power of horror cinema to probe the darkest corners of the human psyche and leave audiences forever changed.
Final Scare Me Please Score: “One thing’s for sure, you’re not going anywhere”, out of 100
Have you watched this movie? What did you think? Does it deserve a spot in our Top 13 scariest movies list? Have an idea for what we should watch next? Drop a comment below to let us know!
Scare Me Please 