SAW X
review by Bobby Blakey
One of my favorite horror franchises of all time is SAW that kicked off back in 2004. Since then it originally spawned seven sequels. Initially we thought it was over with Jigsaw in 2017, but then a new chapter dropped in 2021 bringing a new direction with Spiral: From the Book of SAW. The success of it has revitalized the franchise once again and director of SAW VI and SAW 3D Kevin Greutert has returned alongside star Tobin Bell for a new chapter in SAW X. Could this be another great entry into the series or will this return not be a game worth playing?
SAW X follows John Kramer who travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.
Knowing that this film takes place between the 1 & 2 had me a little concerned to what they could do new with the twists and turns since we already know the outcome of John’s journey. At the same time, it had me excited to get to head back to the beginnings and see more of John more directly involved. This film takes a lot of elements back to the roots of the series while being its own thing and really a more personal story focusing on John and not just the traps and games. Have no fear they are here, but this is a John Kramer story more than a Jigsaw story.
Prior to this film the 8 original story films and spin-off were intertwined into a
seemingly long story with new players and angles always connected by John and his cancer. As the series went along he was there, but it found new leaders and more aggressive violence which I do love, but here we pull back the current an really get to see Tobin Bell shine in a way as Kramer that we haven’t seen yet. He is still the Jigsaw we love, but there is a sense of despair and hope early on that is replaced with vengeance and a series of games a bit different than before.
The beginning sequence takes right into our first game per usual with an interesting twist getting inside Kramer’s head and how he thinks through them all. From there it does slow down pretty heavily to allow us to just take this health and life journey with him. It brings a tone that I don’t feel we’ve seen in the franchise yet that works, but might not for everyone. Thankfully the tone and visuals are still gritty in nature and when its time to play the game the blood and chaos are exactly what fans want.
I loved this entry, but will say I was a bit let down on the lack of real twist that wasn’t pretty easy to figure out as opposed to the previous films. It didn’t hurt them film and still had me happy to see it play out, I just think we have gotten spoiled with the expectations and wanted some bigger. It is probably best in the way they did it since it is playing up as a stand alone film in some ways and didn’t try to force something else in that didn’t need to be there. For those worried about the constant statement of it being a good entry point or standalone film don’t worry there is still plenty here for the hardcore fans and is firmly planted still in the SAW world.
Every time one of these films comes out I am hoping for more, but also worry that they will finally mess it up and prefer to wrap it up. Thankfully this is another great entry that I think fans that love the franchise or just the original will be ready to play another game with. Be sure to stick around for a great mid-credit scene that further adds to the fun and one fans will no doubt love.
In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including commentary, trailer, deleted scenes, featurettes and more. Return to the play the game when SAW X available now on digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on November 21st from Lionsgate.