Review of The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) by Brett B — 22 Dec 2016

THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE is so very close to being one of the year's best films. It's a finely crafted, very well directed horror film that offers strong writing, a terrific central premise (and mystery), and a pair of excellent lead performances.

Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch make for a fantastic father/son duo, and what's particularly great is that the story allows them to be sharp, believable characters. These are smart men plunged into a situation totally out of their depth, and it's legitimately fascinating to watch them go to work trying to figure out what happened to the titular Jane Doe.

Jane Doe herself (portrayed by Olwen Kelly in a deceptively difficult performance) represents a wonderful sort of ticking clock for the audience; we know something truly strange is up, it's just a question of how that will play out.

.. and how bad things will get for Cox and Hirsch. The movie draws out that tension in a really nice way, and it has a good sense of structure, allowing for moments of terror to build and then following those with moments for Cox and Hirsch to continue trying to figure out what they're wrapped up in.

For a movie filled with gore and dissected bodies, there's almost a classy sort of flavor to this (it never even approaches being exploitative or sleazy); the camerawork is strong, and the photograph has a rich quality which keeps things visually interesting in a story which, basically, takes place in one primary location.

I was completely captivated at every turn until the finale, which struck me as far more conventional than everything that comes before it. It's not a deal-breaker, but it does close out the movie on a slightly underwhelming note.

That said, the film overall is quality genre entertainment, and well worth seeking out.