Saw X Review: The Best Saw Since The First One

Saw X is hands down the best that this franchise has seen since the first film. There are brutal traps, a chilling score, and even a bit of emotion.

The Saw franchise has a lot of hardcore fans. While the films aren’t always perfect, they are almost always a whole lot of fun. Saw X is going to surprise a lot fans, in the best way possible. This movie is easily the best of the Saw franchise since the first one. Not only is it wonderful to see Tobin Bell as John Kramer and Shawnee Smith as Amanda back on screen together, it is nice to get a piece of the story that we skipped over. 

Of course, those who love the Saw films know that this one takes place in the past. The fact that John Kramer is in it is a dead giveaway – spoiler: he has passed on. Saw X takes place after he got his cancer diagnosis as he struggles with the finality of his life. He is training Amanda as his successor already at this point. 

If you have already seen the trailer for Saw X then you know the gist of what is going on and who Jigsaw is targeting. If you haven’t watched it yet, don’t. This isn’t a case of the trailer showing too much, but it does reveal something that would be more exciting and suspenseful to not know. It doesn’t ruin the movie, but it does reveal a twist in the tale.

The Saw franchise is known for its traps. Each one of Jigsaw’s victims is placed in a situation where they must do something to injure themselves (or potentially others) in order to get free. This almost always has a direct correlation to the reason that they have been chosen to a play a game in the first place. The same thing is true for Saw X and trust us when we say, these are some of the most brutal traps yet. 

While the traps certainly play a part in why the movie is as good as it is, the real reason Saw X shines is because of the personal and emotional story that is woven into it. Fans have an appreciation for John Kramer. He is a grey area villain because while he does some pretty awful things, he never directly kills anyone and he always ultimately leaves the lives of his victims in their own hands. He truly is hoping to change the course of their lives for the better. 

Saw X explores a part of his past that we haven’t seen before. Tobin Bell has always excelled in this role, but this time around his eyes are filled with emotion. He is sick. He is dying. And he just wants to have hope. From the first time we see him, there is a bit of a tug at the audience’s heartstrings. It sounds weird to say that we feel for Jigsaw, but most viewers will. 

Similarly, Amanda, played by Shawnee Smith, is a fan favorite as well. It is lovely to see her back in the role, very clearly worrying about John and how sick he is. They make a great team, and knowing how it all ends up makes the pieces of their past that are sprinkled throughout this story very interesting to watch. The writing is brilliant in this film, and really does tie everything together in an unexpected and exciting way.

For the most part, the first one-third of this movie is different than the rest of it. We know it is a Saw movie, but at times it doesn’t feel that way. But don’t worry, once the brutality kicks in, it never stops. As with any Saw film, Saw X certainly has its grotesque moments. There will be scenes that you will be watching through your fingers.

Saw X is one of the best of the franchise. It features a chilling score that will heighten your experience, emotional story beats that will have you invested from the start, and a whole lot of stellar performances. The people you are supposed to hate? Trust us, you will despise them. 

Oh, and be sure to keep your butt in your seat until after the mid-credit scene, which will have Saw fans cheering.  

Without a doubt, the best of the Saw franchise since the first film. Not only are the traps brutal and the suspense palpable, but somehow they threw in emotional beats that truly work. An absolute joy to see Tobin and Shawnee together again!

Rating: 5 out of 5

NEXT: Spiral: From the Book of Saw Review

About Saw X

John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most chilling installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game.

Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer — only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.

Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.

Saw X comes to theaters on September 29th.