This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Saw X is the tenth installment in the iconic franchise, going back in time to showcase John Kramer playing his game once again. This time he’s targeting a fraudulent experimental cancer clinic that scammed him.
The franchise has been in a weird position ever since they killed him off in Saw 3, but having Tobin Bell back as Kramer and putting him back in the spotlight was a great decision.
Saw X has the same feel as the originals: fun camera shots and terrifying traps. Bell gets to showcase Kramer’s masterful mind and it gets to be against people we can genuinely root against. One of my issues with the franchise is sometimes the traps felt much too aggressive for the “crimes” committed. This time, it feels good to root with Kramer.
The traps are absolutely brutal and the effects look terrific. This movie gets bloody and disgusting and it is glorious. From the poster, the eyeball vacuum trap was as uncomfortable as you could have expected.
I have always loved the creativity of the traps and I love how they always tie into each person’s misdeed. There were so many times I physically had to look away from how visceral it would get.
Tobin Bell is also really great in this movie. His demeanor is always perfect for whatever encounter he has. Normally I hate the character who is always 2 steps ahead of everyone else, as I don’t think the characters are always written in a compelling way. But the writing is pretty sound as to why he can expect certain twists.
Final Thoughts
Saw X is a true return to glory for the franchise. Tobin Bell is back in the driver’s seat and he is a powerhouse. It felt like instead of trying to recreate the original film, they appreciated what it accomplished and made this in the same spirit. The pacing is a bit off, as the first two-thirds set up the plot for the last third to just be balls to the wall with the traps but it’s still enjoyable.
I love the little easter eggs to the earlier (later in the chronological order) movies and the cameos are fun. I don’t know what the future plans are but with Scream and Evil Dead seeing success with their more modern takes, I hope to see more from this franchise.
