Stephen King, widely recognized for his expertise in horror storytelling, has endorsed the film The Autopsy of Jane Doe, which is now available for free streaming on Tubi. Known for thrilling readers with his numerous chilling tales, King praised this movie as a visceral horror experience comparable to the classics Alien and early David Cronenberg works.
A Closer Look at ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’
Directed by André Øvredal, The Autopsy of Jane Doe follows coroner Tommy (Brian Cox) and his son Austin (Emile Hirsch) as they conduct an autopsy on an unidentified female victim. While the task itself might seem routine, the evidence they uncover quickly turns strange and unsettling. Despite lacking rigor mortis and showing fresh blood in her veins, the victim’s cloudy eyes indicate she has been dead for some time. As the investigation proceeds, bizarre clues suggest supernatural forces are involved, revealing a darker and more ancient evil at the story’s core.
The Film’s Reception and Festival Journey
Although The Autopsy of Jane Doe did not secure a wide theatrical release, it gained recognition through its appearances at film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival. With a modest box office return of $6 million, its financial success was limited, but the film’s critical reception was strong. Holding an 86% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised Øvredal’s direction and the movie’s capacity to captivate audiences. The endorsement by Stephen King further elevated its profile among horror fans.
André Øvredal’s Continued Impact on Horror
Following the success of The Autopsy of Jane Doe, director André Øvredal expanded his portfolio with notable projects. In 2019, he adapted the well-known collection Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, based on Alvin Schwartz’s stories and Stephen Gammell’s illustrations. Later, Øvredal returned to original storytelling with the film Mortal, before tackling another adaptation with The Last Voyage of the Demeter. This film offers a fresh perspective on Bram Stoker’s Dracula by focusing on the doomed ship’s journey from Europe to North America, inspired by the novel’s “Captain’s Log” chapter.
Main Cast Brings Tension and Depth
The intense performance of Brian Cox as coroner Tommy and Emile Hirsch as his son Austin anchors the film’s eerie atmosphere. Their portrayal of a duo unraveling a mysterious death adds emotional depth to the unfolding horror, helping to immerse audiences deeper into the chilling narrative.
Stephen King’s endorsement, calling the film
“visceral horror to rival Alien and early Cronenberg,”
highlights its place within the genre’s respected ranks and why viewers should experience it carefully. Now accessible on Tubi, The Autopsy of Jane Doe remains a compelling example of how indie horror can combine unsettling storytelling with strong direction to leave a lasting impression. As Øvredal continues to develop his career with new projects, this film stands as a testament to his talent in crafting suspenseful and original horror films.
THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE: Visceral horror to rival ALIEN and early Cronenberg. Watch it, but not alone.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 11, 2017
