Review - Saw X (2023)

        Hey guys, Chuck here. Saw X, the tenth film in the ongoing horror franchise Saw, is now in theaters. I got the chance to check it out, and it's actually really good. Possibly one of the best in the franchise. The latest chapter is, once again, produced by Lionsgate Films and Twisted Pictures, and sees the return of Saw VI and Saw 3D director and long-time franchise editor Kevin Greutert, as well as the return of screenwriters Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger, who have been writing these movies since the 2017 film Jigsaw. And, of course, longtime franchise composer Charlie Clouser also returns, and it's great hearing his music, especially the iconic theme "Hello Zepp."

       Now, it should be noted that this movie is set between the events of the original Saw and Saw II, so characters like John Kramer and Amanda Young are both still alive, and both Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith reprise their roles from the previous movies in the franchise. And, I think that they were easily the best part of the movie, as we got to see their student/mentor relationship in ways that were never fully fleshed out back in the earlier movies. And, it's that bond the two of them have that is the real backbone of the movie, at least in my opinion. 

       So, what is John Kramer up to? Well, as he continues to fruitlessly search for a permanent treatment to his brain tumor, John is told of a highly experimental treatment that is not yet approved by modern medicine. So, John reaches out to a doctor named Cecilia Pederson, who invites him to a secluded facility in Mexico to undergo the experimental procedure. However, it turns out that Dr. Pederson and her associates were pulling a con, and they never actually treated John, and thus he must once again use his reputation as the Jigsaw Killer to re-educate these con artists who give false hope to those who are desperate and dying. 

       Now, as I said, both Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith as John and Amanda were absolutely fantastic, but I also enjoyed some of the newcomers as well, such as Synnøve Macody Lund as Dr. Pederson, Renata Vaca as Gabriela, Octavio Hinojosa as Mateo, Paulette Hernandez as Valentina, and Steven Brand as Parker Sears. All of them are terrific in the roles of these con artists who are put in this dire situation where they must do something horrible in order to live. 

        Now, something that is very unique in this movie by comparison to earlier Saw movies is that the movie is centrally focused around John Kramer. I mean, he played a key role in a few of the movies, specifically Saw II and Saw III, but we really learned about him through flashbacks, and not much else. So, to see him from and center for the entirety of the movie is pretty unique, and definitely will make this movie stand out. Also, the first half of the movie is very emotional and visceral. The idea of focusing on John seeking treatment for his terminal illness, only to find a promising solution that turns out to be false, is also something different and is a part of the movie that critics are raving about in a very good way. 

       But, it's not a Saw movie without the iconic Jigsaw traps. And, boy oh boy, does this movie deliver when it comes to the traps. Now, these traps are not as gore-heavy as some previous movies, they also are uniquely specific to the test subjects in this movie. And, yes, I did cringe and I did wince at a few moments with the traps. But, that's a good thing with this franchise. 

         Honestly, I gotta agree with the critics with this movie. Saw X is easily the best film in the franchise since the original from 2004. I loved that it was predominantly centered around John Kramer, and how his test subjects were people who screwed him over personally. I'm giving Saw X a rating of 5/5. And, by the way, I do suggest sticking around for a mid-credits scene featuring my personal favorite character in the Saw franchise. 

       Anyway guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you guys next time.