The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The Autopsy of Jane Doe concludes with a terrifying revelation that the titular corpse, Jane Doe, is a centuries-old witch who manipulated the events of the night to escape her supernatural confinement. After systematically killing everyone in the morgue, she is finally freed when the last surviving coroner, Tommy Tilden, unwittingly fulfills her curse by speaking her name—"Jane Doe"—while trapped in the crematorium. The film ends with her body being transported to another morgue, implying the cycle of horror will continue. The ending leaves several unresolved questions about her origins, the extent of her powers, and whether anyone can truly stop her.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending:
The climax of The Autopsy of Jane Doe sees Tommy Tilden, the younger coroner, realizing too late that Jane Doe is not an ordinary corpse but a vengeful witch. Throughout the film, Jane's body exhibits impossible characteristics-her organs are pristine despite external injuries, her blood is unnaturally preserved, and her body seems to exert a malevolent influence over the morgue. As Tommy's father, Austin, is gruesomely killed, Tommy attempts to escape but is lured back by Jane's illusions. In a final, desperate act, he locks himself in the crematorium, believing he has outsmarted her. However, when he mutters her name—“Jane Doe”—he inadvertently completes the ritual needed to free her. The film's final shot shows her body being loaded into another coroner's van, suggesting her curse is far from over.
Unresolved Questions and Possible Answers:
1. What is Jane Doe's true origin?
- She may be a witch from the 17th century Salem trials, given the references to witchcraft.
- Alternatively, she could be a much older entity, possibly a pagan spirit or demon.
2. Why does speaking her name release her?
- Naming her might break a binding spell placed on her by those who originally restrained her.
- It could be part of a broader curse where acknowledgment of her existence grants her power.
3. What was the purpose of the mutilations on her body?
- The injuries might be remnants of torture meant to suppress her powers.
- They could also be symbolic, representing layers of spells or seals meant to contain her.
4. Is there any way to permanently destroy her?
- Cremation might have worked if Tommy had succeeded before speaking her name.
- Ancient rituals or specific artifacts (like the bell in the morgue) might hold the key.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film:
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, blending forensic procedural elements with supernatural dread. The ending is particularly effective because it subverts the typical “final survivor” trope - Tommy doesn't escape; he becomes another pawn in Jane's game. The ambiguity of her origins adds to the terror, leaving the audience with a sense of hopelessness. However, some might find the lack of concrete answers frustrating. Personally, I appreciate the open-endedness-it makes the horror linger. The film's strength lies in its atmosphere and the chilling performance of the actress playing Jane Doe, who manages to be terrifying without ever moving or speaking.
Final Thoughts and Legacy:
The ending of The Autopsy of Jane Doe ensures the horror doesn't conclude with the credits. By showing Jane's body being transported elsewhere, the film implies she will continue her reign of terror, possibly in a sequel (though none has materialized yet). This cyclical nature of the curse makes the story feel larger than the confines of the morgue. The film's clever use of forensic detail as a vehicle for supernatural horror sets it apart from typical ghost stories. While it may not provide all the answers, it succeeds in leaving a lasting impression, making Jane Doe one of the most memorable horror antagonists in recent years.