Saw X – Film Review

The "Saw" films have long carried the label of "torture porn," a genre known for its excessive and graphic depictions of violence. However, beneath the gruesome surface, they have always sought to present themselves as morality plays, emphasizing that each victim, strapped into ingenious yet horrifying electro-medieval contraptions, endures the agonies of the damned due to sins they committed in the real world. While the concept of sin is portrayed in these films in an overt and almost corny manner, it serves a purpose within the narrative.

The central idea within the "Saw" films, reiterated by the franchise's high priest of sick violence, John Kramer (also known as Jigsaw, portrayed by Tobin Bell), is that he doesn't consider himself a killer. Instead, he offers choices to his victims, forcing them to make gruesome decisions (e.g., choosing to mutilate themselves or face death). This notion strongly resonates with the audience, as we are led to empathize with the victims and experience the fearful thought that we, too, could find ourselves in such a predicament. Paradoxically, watching a "Saw" movie compels us to subject ourselves to a form of vicarious torture, highlighting the implicit connection between the audience and the on-screen characters, and perhaps implicating us as "torture-porn addicts."

The franchise's most recent entry, "Spiral" (2021), had its share of struggles, both creatively and at the box office, with its domestic earnings marking a series low. Faced with this predicament, the creators recognized the need for a significant transformation in the long-running series. Their solution was "Saw X," the tenth installment, which aimed to bridge the gap between the "Saw" films and traditional cinema.

This shift has its merits and drawbacks. On the positive side, it offers a more cohesive plot and places the character of John Kramer front and center, allowing Tobin Bell to deliver a performance like never before, humanizing the man behind Jigsaw. Bell, now 81, portrays Kramer as a Clint Eastwood-like figure, with a touch of Father Merrin from "The Exorcist." Kramer becomes a grizzled sheriff of sorts, intent on exorcising the demons within his victims, causing them to suffer but with the intent of freeing their souls.

In "Saw X," Kramer's terminal brain cancer diagnosis leads him to seek unconventional treatment in Mexico, involving surgery and an experimental drug cocktail. The choice of Mexico is dictated by the need for secrecy, as the pharmaceutical industry, with its profits threatened, seeks to thwart the treatment. While it initially appears that Kramer's health is miraculously restored, this is soon revealed to be a cruel hoax, pushing him toward a path of vengeance, or rather, a mission to teach some hard lessons.

At this point, a spoiler warning is necessary, as the movie's premise unfolds. The supposed miracle healers, led by the smiling blonde Cecilia (Synnøve Macody Lund), are nothing more than charlatans. It was all a scam, and Kramer remains unhealed. This revelation sets the stage for his quest for retribution. The choices he forces upon his victims are as gruesome and morally ambiguous as ever, raising challenging questions about ethics, justice, and the fine line between punishment and sadistic cruelty.

Three out of the four victims are Cecilia's Mexican helpers, all gathered in the same torture warehouse. Kramer, along with Amanda (Shawnee Smith), his apprentice in pain administration (a recurring character in the series), oversees the proceedings from a second-floor office window. This setup creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, transforming the film into a pressure-cooker kidnap thriller.

While "Saw X" attempts to present itself more like a traditional movie, it also shifts the balance between dialogue and torture, introducing more extensive conversations. This change, although it may be appreciated by some viewers, could affect the movie's reception, as the elaborate torture set pieces have traditionally been the franchise's hallmark.

Tobin Bell's portrayal of John Kramer and his character's philosophical musings have been a significant draw for "Saw" fans. However, "Saw X" raises the question of whether there's a point at which the character's introspection becomes excessive, potentially eclipsing the visceral brutality that has long been associated with the series. The film teeters between exploring deeper character dimensions and delivering the gruesome spectacle that the audience anticipates.

In summary, "Saw X" represents a deliberate departure from the established formula of the franchise, seeking to strike a balance between a more traditional movie and the extreme horror elements that have defined the series. While it makes commendable efforts to infuse a deeper plot and character development, it also sacrifices some of the iconic torture scenes that have been a staple of the "Saw" experience, potentially leaving fans with mixed feelings about this new direction.