The Autopsy Of Jane Doe 2

Ed Bradley

2 min read

·

06-12-2024

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The 2019 horror film The Autopsy of Jane Doe 2 takes the unsettling atmosphere of its predecessor and amplifies it, delving deeper into the macabre and exploring themes of trauma, grief, and the enduring power of the past. While it doesn't quite reach the chilling heights of the original, the sequel offers a compelling, albeit occasionally predictable, narrative that will satisfy fans of the genre.

A Familiar Setting, a New Mystery

The film reintroduces us to Tommy Tilden (Brian Cox), the seasoned coroner grappling with the recent death of his wife. His son Austin (Emile Hirsch), still reeling from the events of the first film, reluctantly joins him for another autopsy. This time, the body is not a single Jane Doe, but multiple victims of a brutal and seemingly ritualistic killing. The similarities between the victims and the unsettling clues found on their bodies immediately draw parallels to the mysterious Jane Doe from the first movie.

Expanding on the Lore

Unlike the first film which focused primarily on a single, enigmatic corpse, The Autopsy of Jane Doe 2 expands its scope. The narrative weaves a more complex tapestry, connecting the new cases to the mysterious entity that haunted the Tildens previously. While this broadening of the mythology adds intrigue, it also, at times, feels slightly disjointed. The multiple victims and their individual stories, while adding depth, can detract slightly from the focused tension of the original.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Sequel

The film's strength lies in its atmospheric dread. The dimly lit morgue, the unsettling sounds, and the increasingly disturbing discoveries all contribute to a palpable sense of unease. The performances, particularly Cox's portrayal of a grieving and increasingly desperate father, are strong and convincing. The film successfully taps into the primal fear of the unknown, leaving the audience constantly on edge.

However, the sequel occasionally falters in its pacing. Certain plot points feel rushed, and the reveal of the antagonist, while suitably gruesome, lacks the shocking impact of the original's twist. The film also relies heavily on jump scares, which, while effective in the short term, ultimately detract from the overall atmosphere of suspense built in the first film.

A Worthy, Though Not Superior, Follow-Up

The Autopsy of Jane Doe 2 is a solid, if not entirely groundbreaking, horror sequel. It successfully maintains the unsettling atmosphere and grim realism of its predecessor while expanding on the lore and exploring new thematic territory. While it might not surpass the chilling effectiveness of the original, it offers a worthy continuation for fans of the series, providing ample scares and unsettling imagery to satisfy their appetite for the macabre. The film serves as a testament to the enduring power of atmosphere and suspense in horror, even if its plot occasionally stumbles.