Saw X

Saw X breathes new life into the long-running iconic horror franchise with the fascinating return of its central character, the infamous Jigsaw, masterfully played by Tobin Bell. While retaining the horrific death traps characteristic of the series, this installment manages to breathe new life into the story, giving fans a reason to rejoice and revitalizing the series in a way few could have expected.

The film opens with an unexpected focus on Jigsaw's personal battle with terminal brain cancer. This dark, introspective opening sets a unique tone, making it clear that Saw X will take a different approach from its predecessors. Instead of immediately diving into the elaborate, grotesque games fans have become accustomed to, the film humanizes the character and makes the audience care about his journey. Tobin Bell's performance in this film is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his acting talents and giving depth to a character who has become a legendary figure in the horror genre.

Director Kevin Greutert, known for his work on the franchise's previous installments, succeeds in building tension and atmosphere in the early parts of the film. He takes the time to establish the characters and their motivations, giving greater impact to the violence and gore when they occur.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its narrative decision to delve into Jigsaw's past. By giving a glimpse into his history, Saw X adds depth to the plot and sets itself apart from previous installments in the series. This exploration of revenge and redemption gives greater meaning to the characters' choices and their consequences, elevating the narrative beyond mere shock value.

Although Saw X doesn't shy away from the gore and violence for which the franchise is famous, it manages to be creative in its death traps. That's an impressive feat considering the long history of the Saw franchise. The macabre games are as inventive as ever, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. What's more, the supporting cast, which includes familiar faces like Shawnee Smith and Synnøve Macody Lund, goes beyond their roles as mere victims, adding depth to their characters.

However, Saw X is not without its faults. Attempts to make Jigsaw's motivations resonate with viewers aren't always fluid, and the twist ending could have been executed more effectively. Some of the surprises in the finale seem teleguided, which detracts from their impact. However, these problems, while noticeable, do not overshadow the film's overall contribution to the series.

In short, Saw X is a welcome return to form for the Saw franchise. It manages to strike a balance between the gritty, character-driven story of the original film and the violent trappings and gore that fans have come to love. While it doesn't reach the heights of the original in terms of inventiveness, it breathes new life into the series and leaves audiences excited to see Jigsaw in action again.

In a cinematic landscape filled with aging horror franchises, Saw X stands out as a more personal, character-driven film. The film adds depth to the legend of Jigsaw, making it a valuable addition to the series and giving fans a compelling reason to return to the world of twisted morality and gruesome puzzles. If you're a fan of the franchise, this is a film not to be missed. Saw X offers a blend of gruesome violence, creative traps and a fresh take on the Jigsaw character that promises to satisfy and surprise its loyal audience.

Saw X
Directed by Kevin Greutert
Written by Peter Goldfinger, Josh Stolberg
Produced by Mark Burg, Oren Koules
Starring Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Renata Vaca, Michael Beach
Cinematography : Nick Matthews
Edited by Kevin Greutert
Music by Charlie Clouser
Production company : Twisted Pictures
Distributed by Lionsgate
Release date : September 29, 2023 (United States), October 25 , 2023 (France)
Running time : 118 minutes

Seen on October 20, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, Salle 2 seat A19

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