Saw X (2023) Dir. Kevin Greutert

“This is not retribution. It is a reawakening.”

After eight sequels, multiple video games and even a theme park ride is there really anything left for director Kevin Greutert to shock audiences with? Saw X proves unequivocally that for his victims, John Kramer is far from finished teaching torturous lessons. Audiences haven’t yet seen the worst the twisted minds behind the traps have to offer, certainly not until they have seen Saw X.

Cancer patient John Kramer (Tobin Bell) seeks a new radical treatment after being informed of his terminal diagnosis. This leads him to the secluded clinic of Dr. Cecilia Pederson (Synnove Macody Lund) whose practice is being run off-grid due to the pursuit of those looking to put a stop to her experimental procedures. Unfortunately, for all involved, Cecilia and her team of ‘doctors’ are nothing but con artists looking to make a quick fortune from exploiting the terminally ill; unfortunate for John as his costly cure was nothing but a lie, though arguably it’s far more unfortunate for Cecilia and crew as they have just conned the Jigsaw killer.

“Out of all the men to cheat, you pick John Kramer?”

If you don’t know who ‘Jigsaw’ is, it doesn’t matter. First time viewers will soon learn just what sort of man John Kramer is. Though this film is a sequel, set between the first and second instalments, it’s still accessible for new viewers. We spend a more intimate time with Tobin Bell’s iconic murderous mechanic than ever before, watching his sinister traps play out almost entirely from his perspective. Assisted by his protégée Amanda Young (Shawnee Smith) Jigsaw crafts his most personal game yet, with what will certainly become some fan favourite traps.

Director Kevin Greutert has been with the franchise since the original, working as an editor throughout and directing Saw 6 (2009), Saw 3D (2010) and now Saw X. Nobody knows the series better as it stands today, and it was exciting enough to hear he was coming back to the director’s chair for this tenth instalment. Even still, Greutert has exceeded all expectations and released what is possibly the best Saw film since the original. It combines all the greatest visual stylings of the series with a profound directorial confidence; cinematography and editing working in perfect unison to assemble what feels like a ‘greatest hits’ of Saw’s aesthetic.

Gruetert clearly knows what fans want to see as he has delivered a stunning film that often captures both the emotional turmoil of John Kramer and the physical agony he inflicts upon others (though I’m sure he would say they inflict it upon themselves) in an entirely fresh, but familiar, light.

Tobin Bell’s performance is incredible. Deeply personal though never losing the charm of the complex villain we have all come to love (or love to hate). Saw X is a true exploration of Kramer’s psyche as we travel deeper than ever before into his ideologies, relationship with Amanda and his journey with his terminal illness. Shawnee Smith’s return as Amanda is wrought with ferocious intensity. Fans have been desperate to see more Amanda for years, as she’s almost as integral to the franchise as Jigsaw himself.

Smith doesn’t disappoint, matching the intense energy of Bell in each scene – the pair exploring the twisted connection between master and apprentice, abuser and victim. There’s just enough focus on Amanda’s past trauma that it brings depth to the character while not distracting from the game at hand.

“You all pretended to cure me, but what I have planned for each of you is very real.”

Jigsaw’s game is bloodier and more brutal than ever before, this time thankfully without the bizarre looking CGI blood of the later Saw sequels. Effects company Fractured FX, who have previously worked on Malignant (2021) and Mike Flanagan’s Midnight Mass (2021), created the eye-popping practical gore of Saw X. It’s gritty and painful with scenes even seasoned horror veterans would feel the need to wince at – there’s no holding back. The players in this new game fight with an agonising tenacity which makes their suffering all the more struggling to see. Especially the performances of Joshua Okamoto and Paulette Hernandez. Ten movies in and this franchise keeps finding new ways to make an audience squirm.

Saw X is not only a love letter to the series, but a perfect sequel to the original thriller – encapsulating everything fans have come to love from the franchise. Returning audiences excited to see more from Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith and their elaborate traps won’t be disappointed. Those experiencing the madness of Saw for the first time will be treated to the shocking savagery these films have in store. Though don’t leave when the legendary theme begins to usher in the credits – there may be a final surprise waiting for those brave enough to make it to the end...

★★★★

4 / 5

Douglas Doba

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