‘Saw X’ – one of the best in the ‘Saw’ series thus far

As far as serial killers go, Jigsaw is truly one of a kind. By not delivering the killing blow, putting his victims in the driver’s seat, he’s one step removed from his criminal acts, and thus takes on a moral code to his horror. It’s enough to make you even root for him. Like the Terminator or Loki, Jigsaw joins the cinematic rogue’s gallery that has turned the audience to his side. A fact that the latest film wholly embraces as it attempts to reinvent the franchise.

Finally, Tobin Bell gets the recognition he deserves. What started as a simple, scary voice out of a distorted speaker, has evolved into the main attraction of Saw. In Saw X, Jigsaw takes centre stage, with the film spending the first half an hour creating sympathy for the devil. As he battles his fatal diagnosis, you can’t help but feel for the man behind the madness.

The film takes a risk with a slow start, but gets by with some clever sequencing. While Jigsaw remains a compelling character, there’s no denying that Saw X has to deliver the goods of devilish traps and screaming victims. One scene in particular sees John Kramer taking stock of potential prey, fantasising about constructing his next killer device. The scene’s benefit is twofold, giving the audience some mayhem to chew on, while showing the predatory mind of its main character.

When Saw X begins properly, it’s thoroughly entertaining. So much so that you start to ignore its several logical fallacies. Questions like how a dungeon of several traps could be put together in mere days. At a certain point, the hows and whys are less important, and you’re more invested in the outcome.

To that end, Saw X gives you a set of victims who are so deplorable, you’re comfortable with them failing their deadly tests. The film takes on a real-world issue, with Jigsaw’s prey guilty of victimising the vulnerable in society. Jigsaw becomes more vigilante than villain, doling out a sick and twisted form of justice.

As much consideration as the film evokes for its protagonist, there comes a point where his antics go above and beyond. The film never quite tackles that idea, and continues to engage with him as heroic. It undeniably wants you to root for his success, despite his sadistic nature. Still, presenting a slasher as sympathetic is a notch on the win column, and sets Saw X apart from other horror sequels, delivering one of the best in the series so far.

Rating: Half-Price

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.