Saw X

Saw X story: Diagnosed with cancer, John Kramer visits Mexico for an experimental and risky treatment. When he discovers the whole deal is a scam, he sets the deadly ‘jigsaw’ games into motion to make the frauds pay for cheating the most vulnerable patients.

Saw X review: It’s nearly 20 years since the horror of John ‘Jigsaw’ Kramer was unleashed with the famed Saw franchise. Since then, the outings have been a bit of a see-saw in their appeal. But with the latest offering, director Kevin Greutert has brought the series with a bloodied bang. Saw X begins on a sad note as John Kramer (Tobin Bell) finds himself suffering from cancer with just a handful of months to live. Hope shines on him when he discovers the success story of another patient who goes into complete remission thanks to an experimental, albeit risky, treatment. Kramer decides to take his shot, soon to realise it’s all a scam that has sucked many vulnerable patients dry of their money and hope. It’s then retribution time as the group of culprits finds itself locked up and playing the deadly ‘jigsaw’ games.

The gore is cranked up, and how in the new movie. Fans who have loved the slasher franchise will rejoice at how devious and gruesome the vengeful Kramer gets. Easily one of the best-crafted in the series and the genre. Some scenes are so hard to watch that they will make your stomach churn, but hardcore followers wouldn’t have it otherwise, would they?

Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg have weaved the narrative that balances the gut-wrenching fare with storytelling in equal measures. You will question the vengeful vigilante’s methods yet be on board and may even empathise with the killer and his motive. The taut screenplay and direction will keep you hooked until the end, even if you turn your face away occasionally. The contraptions and the games will thrill you in a sick way.

Tobin Bell is outstanding as Jigsaw and essays the never-seen-before side of his personality with great aplomb. He excels as a terminally-ill man as well as a ruthless killer. Believe it or not, the movie has some emotional scenes with his Shawnee Smith, who makes quite the comeback as his partner in crime, literally, Amanda Young. Synnøve Macody Lund, as the cold and conniving ringleader of the scam, Cecilia Pederson, stands her might, too.

Be warned that the movie is exceptionally graphic and will make your stomach churn. For the niche viewers who enjoy gorefest, this is a treat and a powerful addition to the series. It’s also a good one to introduce new fans to the genre. It’s sick and slick and would be best enjoyed in all its glory on the big screen.