Many believe that torture porn films were born 19 years ago with the release of James Wan’s “Saw.” The subgenre is defined as “a genre of horror films in which sadistic violence or torture is a central aspect of the plot.”
In the 2000s and even into the early 2010s, these movies were all the rage. They dare guests to see how much blood and gore they can take on-screen. During this time, seven “Saw” sequels were made. Each drew in smaller crowds as the story became increasingly convoluted.
Despite this, two more films were made in the last decade. Each attempted to have a fresh take on the universe but failed to grab an audience. Although having a dedicated fanbase, the franchise has never been able to become the horror juggernaut it once was. Will the latest installment, “Saw X,” return the series to its grotesque, former glory?
In “Saw X,” John Kramer, or the Jigsaw Killer, pays for an experimental procedure in Mexico to remove his brain cancer. When the procedure reveals itself as a fraud, Kramer seeks revenge against the culprits of the medical scheme.
Rooting for the Villain
“Saw X” is unlikely to create any new fans of the franchise with its dedication to a 2000s style of visuals, editing and writing. However, it serves as a great entry point for anyone interested.
By removing itself from the twisty soap opera narrative that bogged down later sequels, the film is able to tell a self-contained story that is satisfying. What makes the “Saw” franchise unique is its ability to make viewers root for a complete and utter psychopath, even after watching him brutally rip people apart with absurd gizmos and devices.
John Kramer has never been more sympathetic than he is here. Especially as he faces off against an antagonist who feels equally as cruel and ruthless, just in a more deceptive way. This must be attributed to Tobin Bell’s truly fantastic performance as Kramer. He is simultaneously menacing and kind in a way only he can be.
As for the traps, “Saw X” is consistently inventive with each one. Even if the results are at times somewhat of a letdown after an epic build-up. The standouts would have to be a trap featuring a veterinarian forced to perform brain surgery on himself and a device that sucks a victim’s eyeballs out of their skull if they don’t break all their fingers.
The finale trap is also great. It’s so unbelievably ridiculous that morbid laughter seems inevitable from anyone who sees it.
Best of the Expected
While it’s far from fine art, “Saw X” is easily the strongest movie of the entire series. It begins to understand how to balance self-awareness with sincerity. While the messages about moral ambiguity and the worth of life are earnest, there’s an apparent cheekiness throughout. The movie knows the audience is here for guts and removed appendages.
The over-the-top reveals and reactions are charming and refreshing in the age of dead serious horror stories about grief and loneliness. Even the horrible vomit-tinted color grading has its own nostalgic qualities. It sticks to the franchise’s classic formula but pulls it off better than ever before. “Saw X” is a pleasant surprise despite serving up the same old plate of flesh and bone it’s been delivering since 2004.
