Witness the return of Jigsaw! The 10th instalment in the franchise and it doesn’t look like its slowing down or ending anytime soon. Still creative, still maniacal!
Weeks after the events of Saw (2004), this film acts like Saw 1.5, that takes place in between Saw 1 and Saw 2. We follow John Kramer as he travels to Mexico after learning of a potential “miracle” cure for his terminal cancer. However, he soon realises that the entire operation is a fraudulent scheme targeting vulnerable individuals. Finding a new purpose, the infamous serial killer and his apprentice abduct the con artists and subject them to a horrifying new series of traps and boy is it a joy to watch. It’s a simple story but it delivers on its product.
Tobin Bell returns as John Kramer and I enjoyed his range. We witness his vulnerability in his illness as well as his care of other folks to then switch later to the cold chilling Jigsaw we have grown to love. He is a lot likeable in this feature and even is a good source of comedic content. Shawnee Smith is back as Amanda Young. Very motivated, sadistic and barbarous. It was a nice reveal and again following in the theme of vulnerability she gave a good performance. Synnøve Macody Lund plays the villain of the film (I say that loosely) and sells it well. She does the conniving and swindler character well. Given her character journey her development through the film is very “satisfying”. Michael Beach is in more of a cameo role but well embedded in the story and displays his acting chops.
It’s a small and effective cast with some characters with little to no development. Just present to act as bodies for Kramer’s new toys and we appreciate them all for it LOL.
The film starts of greyish and dull as we go through the defenceless and peril plot points then brightens up when we see that positive bright potential outcome then Saw X of course returns with its dark yellowish filter over is cinematography which kind of works as its signature filming style. It works. It helps emphasise the blood, gore and violence. So, in all it’s a nice mixture when it comes the cinematography playing on the moods of the scenes. The practical effects are of course top notch with no CGI in the horizon, just the way we like our films chopped up (pun intended). There is little to no music and even then, not notable enough to list as we are busy enjoying the screams and moans of the victims (let me dial down the psycho).
It was my first Saw film and I enjoyed it a lot. Bit more than I thought I would and bit more than I think I should. I sat in fear with the provided vomit bag thinking I would be using it soon and enough and cowering in my corner. However, it was the opposite! I smiled, grinned, cheek to cheek and was excited to see what he does next. The games are actually fun (TO WATCH! WATCH ONLY! THIS IS NOT AN INVITATION TO COME GET ME) and get quite creative. One game to mention was one involving radiation… microwave settings. Although not many games this time round they are made more complicated and mind boggling to leave you the viewer questioning what you would do. The movie is filled with twists and turns in the story but it does well to bring it all full circle despite its simplicity. The flick plays heavy on the premise of predatorily figures preying on the weak. Messages surrounding the overpowered pharmaceutical industry hindering certain advances of medications to keep the capital flowing etc. Despite Kramer’s sinister methods he continues to believe he’s doing the Lord’s work giving people choices to redeem themselves as to say he’s some kid of life coach ha-ha. Still under the thought that he’s not actually killing anyone, just giving them choices. A whole mind f**k. However, we see him in a more family focused mindset where he worries for others despite his current condition. It’s an interesting dynamic.
Saw in Saw… I mean All in All it’s a good entry point if you haven’t seen any of the films and you are not familiar with the franchise. It does well to hint back at his past so as a new viewer you are all caught up. My main worry is that is it a case of if you have seen one you have pretty much seen them all. Same premise. Bad people? Trapped? Given choices? Sacrifice a limb or die? Rinse and repeat? I don’t know. I have another 9 films to go back to so time will tell but for this entry… it’s a recommended watch.
Do we need a Saw 11? Does Kramer ever find a cure? Can Jigsaw live on through someone else? Who’s Carlos? Which was your favourite death? React and comment below…
