The Saw franchise has a special place in my heart. The first film, Saw, was my introduction to horror at a ripe nine or ten years old. Despite the film being the goriest thing I'd seen up to that point, I kept watching, not because of the inherent taboo of seeing a film I'm not supposed to see, but because it had a solid story. Although the film is a horror movie, it feels more like a mystery movie. How did these two people end up in this bathroom? Will they escape? Who is the Jigsaw Killer? Are these cops dirty? When does this take place? What's going on with that puppet? 

The six sequels (one of which is either titled Saw: The Final Chapter or Saw 3D, depending on who you ask) answered these questions and more. Seven years after "the final chapter," the Jigsaw prequel was released. Then came the ninth and standalone film, Spiral: From the Book of Saw, directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who also directed Saw II through to Saw IV, and I reviewed when it came out in 2021. 

Kevin Greutert, who directed Saw VI and Saw: The Final Chapter, returns with Saw X, a film that takes a peculiar slot in the franchise timeline. Instead of taking place before or after any previous Saw film, Saw X occurs between the events of Saw and Saw II. For those not up-to-date on their Saw lore, this was right after John Kramer, AKA Jigsaw, was diagnosed with brain cancer. 

So, naturally, Saw X concerns itself with John's journey to get treatment for his cancer after hearing of an experimental cancer treatment. However, and I assure you this is not a spoiler, John soon discovers that the operation is an elaborate scam, prompting John to kidnap those responsible and place them in one of his signature games as retribution. So, after nearly a decade since Jigsaw's last appearance in the franchise in 2017's aptly titled Jigsaw, the question is: is Jigsaw's return to the franchise a triumphant comeback or a mere marketing ploy? Let's delve into Saw X and find out. 

Writing

Let's talk about the writing first, as that's a big part of what I want to discuss. Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger, who wrote the two previous Saw films, Jigsaw and Spiral: From the Book of Saw, completed the script for Saw X in December 2021. I appreciate that their script retains much of what I love about the Saw franchise. It emphasizes characters like John Kramer, adding a layer of complexity and sympathy not seen since Saw II. Furthermore, I like that their script establishes a powerful emotional core that allows the film to effortlessly shift between the goriest traps I've seen and scenes where I'm invested in John's journey despite knowing his future. The pacing is also surprisingly methodical, much like the earlier Saw entries. It takes time to build the tension bit by bit without relying on the series' crutch: shock value. 

However, Stolberg and Goldfinger's script isn't without problems. The biggest is how much it follows the Saw formula. In other words, Saw X features one of the franchise's most predictable and illogical plots. There were no surprises that I couldn't forecast multiple scenes before they occurred. It's not just because the film is set between two Saw films. These plot twists are so telegraphed that the reveals are shoved in my face rather than emerging naturally. 

Let's discuss the logic of this film. Let's revisit that synopsis. John is actively recruiting apprentices to become the next Jigsaw, yet he can jet off to another country unannounced. Also, can he afford this procedure, which must cost at least $50,000, and the other costs related to the trip? To make matters worse, you're telling me that the cops never made the Jigsaw connection to this game? I realize that Jigsaw wasn't a public figure until the later films like Saw: The Final Chapter, but the amount of evidence left by John should've at least popped up somewhere down the line. 

Beyond that, the dialogue could've used a significant rework. It's not all bad, but it's full of trailer quotes like "This is not retribution. It's a reawakening" or "You have played your last con game, but not your last game." Other than that, the characters speak as if they know they are in a movie, with an air of self-importance or exposition that treats the viewer like they can't connect the dots on their own.

Direction and Cinematography

Kevin Greutert's return to the director's chair is a highlight of Saw X. In his two previous Saw films, Saw VI and Saw: The Final Chapter, Greutert introduced an entirely new visual style, and Saw X continues this trend. Instead of sticking to the claustrophobic and grimy settings, the film incorporates more outdoor and varied environments, such as the streets of Mexico. This shift was welcome; I was tired of abandoned buildings and warehouses. Don't get me wrong - it makes sense why Jigsaw uses those kinds of places, but it gets repetitive after the first five times. 

Alongside this visual refresh, Lionsgate cut a big check for the production team. The film looks more polished and sophisticated than the previous nine films. Despite costing about $7 million less than Spiral, Saw X noticeably improves the series' production values, making it look and feel more expensive than it is. This effective use of its budget is evident in each trap's richly detailed and intricate design, like the eye vacuum trap, which blends classic Saw brutality with psychological terror without relying solely on shock value. Greutert's direction excels in building suspense and tension, much like the earlier Saw films. The pacing takes its time, slowly building the tension without relying on the series' usual shock value. 

This balanced approach keeps the film engaging from start to finish, even when you want to look away from the gory traps. 

Gore and Traps

One of the hallmarks of the Saw franchise is its inventive and brutal traps, and Saw X does not disappoint. The traps in this film are some of the most gruesome and creatively designed in the series. For instance, the eye vacuum trap is both horrifying and ingeniously constructed, blending the classic Saw brutality with a new level of psychological terror. The practical effects in these traps are top-notch, adding a visceral realism that had me turning away from the screen quite a few times - yes, even more than the needle pit from Saw II. 

How well these traps are integrated into the narrative sets them apart. While previous films treated the traps like isolated set-pieces meant to teach their victims a lesson, Saw X's traps reflect John Kramer's ruthless need for retribution. They are gruesome, sure, but they serve a purpose beyond shock and awe.

Performances

Saw X features impressive performances, particularly from Tobin Bell as John Kramer/Jigsaw and Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young. The supporting cast also impressed me. 

The film's star, Tobin Bell's return as John Kramer, also known as Jigsaw, is a highlight of Saw X. Bell is doing something here that I can only describe as a completely new character, but in a good way. His interpretation and performance in this film are so different that it feels like a new character. He's more vulnerable, desperate, and vengeful throughout this movie. I haven't seen it from Bell in any of the previous films, but I love what I see here. It's almost as if Bell treats John Kramer as the good and Jigsaw as his evil side. It's a beautiful dance between these two personalities - his terrifying demeanor as Jigsaw and his struggle with terminal illness as John Kramer. 

Likewise, Shawnee Smith's reprisal of Amanda Young, one of Jigsaw's apprentices, also feels like a new character. Smith serves a complex purpose here. Beyond setting up the events of future Saw films, she plays Amanda as much more conflicted about what she does in this film than in any other Saw film. On the one hand, I'm screaming at the TV for her to be more like the Amanda I know from Saw III and beyond, but this added layer makes me want to sit back and see where she takes the character. It might not be consistent with her arc in the later films, but it sure was enjoyable. 

The supporting cast, including Synnøve Macody Lund as Cecilia Pederson, elicited a similar response from me. None of their performances were more than screaming and pleading once the game began, but they were memorable. Lund's portrayal of Cecilla makes it seem as if the personalities of John and Jigsaw have merged into something terrifying. She is a fantastic foil to John/Jigsaw, and I hope Lund gets more roles like this in the future.

Music

Charlie Clouser returns as the composer for Saw X, proving why he's the series' sole composer. His score is harsh, accenting the visceral horror featured onscreen with the soundtrack of your worst nightmare in the best way possible. 

You know those creepy, lingering melodies that have you checking your surroundings? That's Clouser's specialty. His score in Saw X is as masterfully crafted as one of Jigsaw's games, subtly ramping up the tension and keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the movie. 

Despite his haunting melodies, Clouser's music adds depth to the characters and their struggles, making you feel for them even if you're not 100% sold yet. And when things get crazy, his beats go into overdrive to get your heart pounding.

Sound

We all know that a score is only half the soundscape in a horror movie. The sound department of Saw X deserves an honorable mention. Whether Jorge Juárez Horta's sound mixing, Dave Rose's sound effects editing, or Adam Stein's sound design, Saw X doesn't disappoint. 

From the blood-curdling screams to the ominous timer counting down to the victim's demise, every sound in this film is designed to make your skin (and your stomach) crawl. You've heard the phrase "It's like you can feel the tension in the air" before, but the tension present in the sound of Saw X is so palpable you can reach out and touch it. 

It's not just about the scores, though. The sound design in Saw X adds a ton of depth to the story. Multiple audio cues throughout the film are crucial to the plot, and they often become so loud that they trigger a fight-or-flight response. In short, this film does not waste any audio tracks.

Wrap-up

So, here's the final verdict on Saw X. It's a return to formula, which has pros and cons.

On the good side, Saw X brings back the classic elements that made the franchise a hit in the first place. The traps are as gory and inventive as they've ever been, the story puts additional context to the Saw franchise as a whole with a reexamination of Jigsaw and his apprentice's motives, and the performances, especially by Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith, are the best they've ever been. Kevin Gretuert's direction brings a fresh visual style and a more polished look to the film, standing tall amongst the best in the franchise. 

On the flip side, Saw X sticks too close to the series' formula, meaning there are few surprises in store. The plot twists are predictable, and the film leans too hard on its legacy, sometimes making it feel too familiar. The dialogue could've also used a bit of an overhaul, as it sometimes falls into the trap of being overly dramatic or clichéd. 

In the end, Saw X is a solid entry in the franchise that will please long-time fans and win over a few new ones. It doesn't reinvent the wheel but spins it well enough to keep you hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a horror movie that delivers gore, suspense, and a garnish of nostalgia, Saw X is worth a watch. 

So, grab your snacks (well, maybe not, considering the gore), settle in, and prepare for another twisted game with Jigsaw. It's a bloody (literally) good time, even if it's a bit of the same old song and dance. 

★★★★

Saw X is now available to stream on Starz and rent or purchase.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Saw X. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section!

Until next time!