Saw X

The Saw movies are those we go into with the lowest of expectations, and even then there have been instances of utter disappointment (think Saw 3D or Jigsaw). But now, for almost the first time since Saw II in 2005, there finally is a "good" Saw movie. Yes, actually good.

Saw X does two very important things that make it work so well. The first is that we now have a movie where John Kramer is finally the main character. Rather than having to learn about him through his victims, like was so for the 8 other movies he was in, we finally get to know John Kramer through John Kramer. The second is that we're finally on John's side, essentially rooting for a serial killer, because the "players" in this movie are written to be some of the most disgustingly scummy people on Earth.

Saw X is much longer (with a runtime of 118 minutes) compared to the 9 other movies (all of which average at 90), and is paced much slower too; which quite honestly works really well. The games are decent, the violence is unwatchable (which in Saw language means it's good) and we also get a few fun Easter eggs.

There is yet one major disappointment, but that's spoiler territory since it has to do with the ending, so I will ignore that for now. Other than that, the movie was surprisingly good and I honestly did enjoy it more than I thought I would. If you have been keeping up with the Saw movies, definitely go check it out in cinemas!

I can't think of another franchise where the 10th movie is my favorite, but as soon as they announced the premise of Saw X and dropped the trailer, I knew this was it. After 20 years, they finally cracked the code to a great Saw film-and honestly, it feels so obvious in retrospect.

The key? Center the story around the most compelling character in the franchise: Jigsaw himself. For the first time, we experience the film from his perspective, and that single shift changes everything. We're not just watching his traps unfold; we're following his journey. We see why the people in the game deserve to be there before the torture begins, making the entire experience more impactful.

The film delivers a cohesive story with all the signature Saw elements-dark humor, shocking twists, and even emotional depth. Without spoilers, we witness Jigsaw genuinely distraught when innocent lives are at risk, something the franchise has never really explored before.

This movie finally gets it right: a gripping narrative, emotional weight, moments of twisted humor, and, of course, the brutal traps we expect. Saw X isn't just a great sequel-it's the best standalone film in the series. After two decades, they finally nailed the formula.

When considering horror franchises, how many come to mind that have worthwhile sequels that live up to their originals? Now take it a step further and consider how many horror franchises make it to a tenth installment, and then how often is that installment any good? These are the questions one might ask when thinking about Saw X, the tenth installment in an exhausted (and exhausting at times) franchise that arguably peaked at its inception but gave at least a few worthy sequels. Saw X delivers above and beyond all of its predecessors beyond its original work. Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith are front and center for this one, a questionable choice that pays off at the hands of creative writing and strong direction. It's difficult to stay fresh at number X but they manage it here, going back to basics and bringing a little humanity to that series antagonists. Bravo to those involved, because to do this takes work but they managed it here with aplomb. The traps are fewer but this is a Saw movie so they are there, and they are brutally effective when on screen. But like the original we're back to really focusing on the story and not just the brutality. I won't say this is the most surprised I've ever been by a movie but it ranks, because upon hearing that a new Saw was to be made my eyes rolled hard, but seeing the positive reviews I just had to check it out and it lives up in every way. Are you a diehard fan of the franchise? Then this is for you. Did you lose interest after the first. This may also be for you, because nothing has come close since 2004.

Hard to believe the same director and writers that produced the trash of the previous few installments, could deliver such a strong and refreshing take on the Saw franchise.

For seemingly the first time - Saw X takes pause to develop story and characters, which does a beautiful job at building tension in anticipation for what you know is coming, and the pay off is more grizzly than I could have imagined...and boy was it grizzly.

In addition to the 'poster trap' being (in my opinion) the most visually iconic, and eerie looking trap in the whole series. The 'Twist' in Saw X, is that the movie is surprisingly good.

9/10 for a Saw movie. 7/10 as a regular movie.

Not going to lie, my expectations were low, based off the fact that the previous saw instalments haven't been very up to standards. This movie takes place in between saw 1 & 2, following the life of John Kramer, a cancer patient. I won't get into the story here but there are some pros and cons to this movie. The traps are immaculate and absolutely disgusting (In a good way), and it's a more "horror" styled movie. Horrible things happen to horrible people, and you can't help yourself from sitting there and thinking, "please don't be over, please don't be over." Overall I would give this movie a 7.5/10, it exceeded expectations, the gore was great, and the story is pretty good. Would recommend to see in Theatres.