Synopsis and Review: SAW X (2023), When You See Jigsaw Perspective
Synopsis and Review-”Saw X” is a horror film from 2023, marking the tenth installment in the Saw series. It acts as a direct sequel to the 2004 film “Saw” and a prequel to “Saw II” from 2005. Kevin Greutert directs and edits the film, while Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg are the writers. Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith return to reprise their roles from earlier films, and the cast also includes Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Renata Vaca, and Michael Beach.
Synopsis:
Guess who’s returned? John Kramer, played by Tobin Bell, is making a comeback. In this latest, most spine-chilling addition to the SAW series, we delve into a previously untold chapter of Jigsaw’s personal game. Taking place between the events of SAW I and II, we find a sick and desperate John traveling to Mexico. His aim? An experimental medical procedure that holds the promise of a miraculous cure for his cancer. However, things take a dark turn when he discovers that the entire operation is nothing but a scam targeting the most vulnerable. Fueled by a newfound determination, John comes back to his calling. He flips the script on the con artists, employing his trademark intense and horrifying traps in a series of ingenious moves.
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Review:
The Saw movies usually don’t meet our expectations, and there have been disappointing ones like Saw 3D. However, for the first time since Saw II in 2005, there’s actually a good Saw movie now.
Arguably, the ‘Saw’ series is the most consistently great horror series. Making 10 films and still delivering masterpieces is quite remarkable. Saw X, in my opinion, is a masterpiece. It gave me everything I wanted and more.
This new film brings something fresh. It’s not like the previous ones; it’s mainly John’s story, told from his perspective, making us feel some sympathy for him. There’s a villain even more formidable than John Kramer.
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Saw X succeeds for two crucial reasons. Firstly, John Kramer is finally the main character, allowing us to understand him directly rather than through his victims. Secondly, the film positions us on John’s side, rooting for a serial killer, as the “players” are portrayed as disgustingly immoral people.
The film acknowledges the debate around John Kramer’s motivations, injecting a bit of humor while treating the topic seriously when Kramer discusses it.
Unlike the other films in the series, this one has a revenge plot. Regardless of your stance on Kramer, he becomes the undisputed protagonist. The revenge element adds depth to the depravity witnessed, making everything more layered.
Although I should be accustomed to the gruesome deaths, they manage to shock and horrify once again. The traps are brutal and gory, but the film doesn’t let the gore overshadow the story.
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Saw X has a different pace, deliberately so. The buildup is interesting, and the fallout is exciting, though not for the faint-hearted. It’s longer than the other Saw movies and paced slower, but it works well. The movie takes time to set up, but once it gets going, the second half moves at an electric pace.
Tobin Bell takes the lead like never before, and it significantly improves the film. His performance is excellent, especially as the character experiences a physical decline. The bond with Shawnnee Smith feels genuine, adding emotional depth to the story.
Director Kevin Greutert maintains the franchise’s style, and it works well for this prequel. The score, featuring the iconic theme, contributes to the film’s atmosphere. The movie exceeded expectations, and if you’ve been following the Saw movies, it’s worth checking out in cinemas.
