The franchise that taught us what squeamish was, is back and it is better than ever. I was around 9 years old when the first Saw came out, and practically grew up with the franchise making it a a modern day horror classic in my book, so to see it today as an adult and how Jigsaw, the story, engineering and genius has developed with time, is a full circle moment. And there’s something about that epic Saw theme song that tells us it’s never really over, and we will meet again, and again.
This time, it is more personal and we also have a fight in us like Jigsaw because who plays with someone’s hope, and and preys on the final wishes of a terminally ill person?
In the latest installment John Kramer, portrayed by the legendary Tobin Bell, makes a chilling return in the latest installment of the SAW franchise. This installment delves into the darkest chapter of Jigsaw’s personal game. Positioned between the events of SAW I and II, we witness a frail and desperate John as he embarks on a perilous journey to Mexico, seeking an experimental medical procedure in a desperate bid to find a cure for his cancer. However, his hopes are brutally shattered when he uncovers that the entire operation is an elaborate scam targeting the most vulnerable.
Fueled by a newfound sense of purpose, John resurfaces to resume his twisted work. In his characteristically visceral style, he ingeniously turns the tables on the cunning con artists, subjecting them to a series of terrifying traps that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Oh and the sound of flesh being cut through is never easy to digest.
We also get the return of John and Amanda’s partnership and where the future of Jigsaw’s work will land now that his diagnosis is taking him to the end of his time, but what makes this Saw more even better than its predecessors is how unpredictable it is, we never really know what is happening for real due to the clever engineering of the traps, and Jigsaw’s plan. Jigsaw also shows more human emotion and a softer side to his game plan. We almost sympathize with him and don’t feel bad for the players in his game, even tough some of them meet their end at the hands of a greater evil. At least Jigsaw gives you a fighting chance and a teachable lesson if you survive.
To avoid any spoilers go watch Saw X now before everyone starts talking about it, and it must be experienced on the big screen, just make sure you stay after the credits.
Saw X is out now!