We're finally here. Almost ten whole years after the original - and entirely iconic but also crass - Saw film was released. And we're back. Saw is back. (spoiler) Kramer is back. Somehow. Nobody really knows. Maybe we're in the past actually. Somewhere in between the other films. I'm honestly really not sure. Somehow though, I don't think accuracy is the game for the Saw films, if you'll excuse the pun. The iconic torture-porn franchise is back again in 2023 with Saw X, even though its last film was called 'The Final Chapter'.
I have a friend who I've known for 15 years, and will without hesitation always enjoy a good horror movie with me. You know who you are, and thank you for always hanging out with me and watching horrible movies into the night without judging my character. Everybody needs friends like those! This friend took me to see Saw X at the stunning Everyman cinema as a birthday present earlier this month. There's nothing like digging into popcorn and milkshakes while people are getting ripped apart in front of you. Something, something, psycho-analysis.
We settled into our comfy sofa and braced ourselves for 2 whole hours of entertainment torture together. Honestly, the short review of this film is that if you put aside the weird first 45 minutes or so which feel more like an emotional documentary into Kramer's life, then this film is actually a pretty top tier Saw film. Don't get me wrong, the start of the film is also great, but very much is pushing the 'feel sorry for Kramer he's dying and has been scammed in his weakest moment' vibes. Like, that does truly suck. But also it's hard to feel sorry for somebody who has spent years torturing people in the most horrific ways imaginable just to 'teach them a lesson'. I guess everyone deserves a defence? Maybe? But like, Kramer literally killed somebody just because he smoked? Seems a little harsh.
Kramer is back. Somehow. Nobody really knows. Maybe we're in the past actually. Somewhere in between the other films. I'm honestly really not sure. Somehow though, I don't think accuracy is the game for the Saw films, if you'll excuse the pun.
Anyway, as I said, once we got to the traps themselves I have to say I was hooked. This film takes a different tack in that we know exactly why everyone in the traps is there because we have just spent 45 minutes watching them royally screw over John Kramer. It's almost like they've never seen a Saw film, because surely of all the people to scam you wouldn't risk your luck with him... Anyway. I digress. This film has some new and spectacularly brutal traps in it. I wonder if they will ever run out of trap ideas or continue re-running the reverse bear trap again and again instead.
For once, we have a good explanation of how Kramer has possession of an entire abandoned site! And a bunch of disused medical equipment! It's almost like he's... I could say... Giving them a taste of their own medicine.
You can see from the stills here that the traps are as theatrical and visually pleasing (questionable comment I know) as always. This group have spent weeks pretending to cure Kramer of his supposedly incurable cancer, only for him to realise it was a scam and find them vanished when he tries to come back for revenge. For once, we have a good explanation of how Kramer has possession of an entire abandoned site! And a bunch of disused medical equipment! It's almost like he's... I could say... Giving them a taste of their own medicine.
If you have the stomach for it, Saw X is a pretty good spooky season Halloween film.
Also, obviously if Kramer is back then you just know Amanda is back too. They say behind every great man... No, I am kidding. Amanda is fully unhinged, but I also admire her drive and loyalty, maybe. Either way she adds a lot of fun to a bunch of films that are otherwise actually just horrible. People often say 'why would you want to watch films like that' and honestly that's a question I still don't know the answer too. But Amanda is one reason, because I think she's bloody brilliant. I find her story far more interesting than Kramer's and I'm really glad that she came back in this film because honestly Kramer would have been screwed without her.
I can't say I'm convinced that Saw X is really going to be the last film featuring Kramer and his creepy little swirly-cheeked doll and unhinged pig-mask sidekick. Unfortunately, I think this film benefited from the hype of the threat of it being the final instalment - meaning any future films will potentially fall a little flat when people realise the marketing of Saw X as the last Kramer moment was a lie. But then again. You know what I'm going to say. Cough, cough, 'Final Chapter' sounds familiar right? To be honest, myself and a lot of people I know have a strange familiarity with the horrors of the Saw world, so I wouldn't be annoyed if other films came out, I'm just saying. If you have the stomach for it, Saw X is a pretty good spooky season Halloween film.
Until next time, Alice xoxo
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