Saw X

'Saw X' returns with fervor to the franchise's unsettling realms, aligning its haunting narrative to explore the exploitation inherent in the current anti-big pharma rhetoric. Despite its stance, the anti-big pharma movement is just as profit-driven as big pharma; but as depicted here, its unregulated nature can lead to highly destructive actions severely impacting individuals' lives.

At 81, Tobin Bell reprises his iconic role as John Kramer with remarkable vitality, maintaining the character's haunting grip on the audience with his enduring portrayal. It was also a nostalgic and incredibly rewarding experience to see the return of Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young.

The narrative is seamless and compelling, guiding the audience through its labyrinth of moral quandaries with an impactful flow.

The victims in this installment are framed as some of the most deserving in the series, heightening the film's moral ambiguity and intensifying the notions of retribution among viewers.

Despite the climactic twist being predictable, it retains its satisfying essence.

'Saw X' is a compelling blend of socially pertinent themes, stellar performances, and satisfying narrative, providing a lingering experience. All in all, it's my second favourite film in the saw franchise.

John Kramer is told he has just months left to live, he's given home of a new treatment, a life saving surgery being held in Mexico, when it doesn't quite go as expected, he takes his revenge.

We're at the point now where new horrors just aren't sticking, hardly anything looks worthy of a follow-up, so we're getting endless Scream and Halloween movies, all of which seem to diminish with time, Saw though has been different, could this later one offer something new?

This latest film really does offer something new, it's unlike any of its predecessors, very much John's story, it's all from his point of view, we're almost made to feel a degree of sympathy for him, it's very, very clever. There's a monster even greater than John Kramer.

I should be used to the macabre deaths by now, but once again they manage to shock and horrify, there are some nasty moments here, a girl a few rows in front of me was actually sick during the second death scene, it is a very nasty moment.

The pace is unlike any other Saw movie, deliberately so, I found the build up very interesting, the fallout was very exciting, not for the faint hearted.

Tobin Bell delivers yet another excellent performance, he really does shine once again, and credit to the makeup team, you see a physical decline in the character as the movie develops, it's very well done.

It made me add The Hollies to my playlist.

Is that the end? I doubt it, I doubt it very much.

8/10.

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!

Plot

A sick and desperate John 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.

Cast

Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith and Ragnarok's Synnøve Macody Lund shine.

Verdict

I'll be honest, I haven't enjoyed a Saw movie since Saw III. I thought Spiral breathed a small amount of life into the series but not enough to make it credible. Much like Final Destination they pounded out movie after movie each less inspired as the last! A dead franchise in my opinion. Hearing about another I couldn't have been less excited and after the watching the trailer and seeing it was a prequel had me confident this would be another bland uneventful final nail in the franchises coffin.

I'm man enough to admit when I'm wrong, and here I was wrong.

I don't like prequels, I deemed this a dead franchise, but somehow someway against the odds they delivered a decent enough film and I'd argue the 3rd best overall behind the original and part 2.

I just love how unexpected it is, you defies logic and reason and provides an engaging tale and one that doesn't rely on shock value or gore like many of those that game before did.

Good job, now I'm open to more.

Rants

I like Shawnee Smith, my first experience with her was as the crazy girl in the original The Stand (1994) but her presence here seemed strange on account of how much older she looks here then last time we saw her. They used no effect to make her look younger and the timeline subsequently made no sense. I know such things shouldn't matter but movies are about immersion and that took something away from it here.

Breakdown

Surprisingly decent plot Solid performances by many of the cast Has breathed new life into a dead series The Shawnee Smith age issue is annoying.

I'm a huge fan of this series. I love the original 7 and I mildly enjoy Jigsaw and Spiral. I was excited for another chapter and was not disappointed. This is a great addition to the series.

Just like with the other sequels, this continues to add layers to the backstory and lore with interesting new material. And of course we have lots of cool and gruesome traps. But in many ways, this chapter is different from any of the previous.

For one thing, it takes it's time building story and character. The pace ends up slower because of this, but I think it's worth it. Everything feels more fleshed out (unintended pun). We don't see the hyper-editing style this franchise is known for. And the movie overall feels a bit higher in quality of filmmaking.

My only downside is a lack of surprises, for me at least. I think it might work better for people who aren't as familiar with this franchise as I am.

I had a fun bloody time with this movie and look forward to any future chapters in this series. More games. More blood. More, please. (1 viewing, opening Thursday EMAX 9/28/2023)