Review: Saw X (2023)

A Twisted Return to the Franchise’s Roots

Saw X (2023), directed by Kevin Greutert, marks the tenth installment in the iconic Saw franchise, bringing back one of horror’s most infamous figures: John Kramer, a.k.a. Jigsaw (Tobin Bell). After the more supernatural elements introduced in Jigsaw (2017) and Spiral (2021), Saw X takes the series back to its gritty, psychological roots. With its disturbing traps, moral dilemmas, and an exploration of the character of John Kramer, this film offers a compelling and twisted ride for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. It’s both a prequel and a return to form, digging deeper into the psychological torment that has defined the series from the very beginning.

Plot Overview

The story of Saw X is set between the events of Saw (2004) and Saw II (2005), following John Kramer as he is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Desperate for a cure, he travels to Mexico, where he believes he’s found a miracle treatment. However, he soon realizes that he’s been swindled by a group of con artists posing as medical professionals. This betrayal leads John to seek revenge, setting in motion a series of deadly traps designed to punish those who have wronged him. As always, John’s traps are intended to force his victims to confront their own flaws and sins, making Saw X not just a tale of vengeance but a philosophical examination of justice and morality. The film also explores John’s own internal struggle, adding depth to his character while remaining true to the franchise’s grim tone.

The Good: Classic Jigsaw, Gripping Tension, and Strong Performances

1. Tobin Bell’s Return as Jigsaw
One of the key strengths of Saw X is the return of Tobin Bell as John Kramer. His portrayal of Jigsaw is as chilling and thought-provoking as ever. Bell’s performance lends depth to the character, portraying him not just as a sadistic killer but as a man driven by a twisted sense of justice. In Saw X, we see a more vulnerable side of John, struggling with his illness and the sense of betrayal that fuels his actions. This emotional layer adds a new dimension to the character, making his actions both more relatable and more disturbing. The film explores John’s psychological evolution, delving into his motivations with a level of complexity that has been somewhat absent in some of the later entries in the franchise.

2. The Return to Gruesome, Thought-Provoking Traps
As expected from a Saw film, the traps in Saw X are as inventive and brutal as ever. The film delivers the franchise’s signature combination of tension, suspense, and gore, forcing its victims to make life-or-death decisions under extreme duress. What sets Saw X apart from some of its predecessors, however, is the emphasis on the psychological aspects of the traps. Unlike some of the more sensational traps from earlier films, these are designed to make the victims confront their own sins or flaws. Whether it’s a test of trust, morality, or survival instinct, each trap in Saw X is deeply personal, adding an extra layer of intensity and emotional stakes to the proceedings.

The film’s more intimate focus on the traps—set within the context of John’s own emotional turmoil—also helps to create a sense of heightened tension. Each trap serves a purpose beyond just gore; it is a tool for John to impart his twisted sense of justice. This return to the psychological horror that made the first Saw film so iconic is a significant strength.

3. Tight Pacing and Focused Narrative
While some of the Saw films have suffered from convoluted plotting or a lack of focus, Saw X keeps its narrative tight and focused. The film centers on John’s emotional journey, with his vendetta against the medical con artists providing a clear throughline. The pacing is quick, with just the right balance of trap sequences, character moments, and plot development. The film avoids overcomplicating itself with unnecessary subplots, making the story feel more direct and impactful. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the sharp, relentless pacing, which never lingers too long on any one moment, always keeping the audience engaged.

The Weaknesses: Familiarity, Predictability, and Limited Character Development

1. Familiarity of the Formula
While Saw X returns to the series’ roots, it also inevitably relies on the familiar formula that has defined the franchise. The structure of the film, with its traps and moral dilemmas, is now a known quantity for fans. As such, while the traps remain inventive and disturbing, the overall progression of the story feels predictable for anyone familiar with the Saw formula. The surprise twists, which have been a hallmark of the franchise, are somewhat lacking in this installment, and while the film delivers on its promise of suspense, it doesn’t offer the same level of shocking twists that made earlier entries so memorable.

2. Limited Character Development Outside of Jigsaw
While Tobin Bell’s portrayal of John Kramer remains one of the film’s highlights, the supporting characters in Saw X are less developed. The film introduces several new faces, particularly the medical con artists, but none of these characters are as memorable or as nuanced as the victims from previous films. The film spends more time exploring John’s psychology than it does delving into the personalities or backstories of the people he’s seeking revenge against. While this helps keep the focus on John, it also means that the stakes for the victims feel somewhat diminished. Their roles often feel more like plot devices rather than fully realized characters.

3. The Lack of Innovation in the Formula
Though Saw X is a strong entry in the series, it doesn’t introduce any major innovations or new concepts to the franchise. The formula—John setting up traps to force his victims into moral choices—is well-established by this point, and while the traps remain effective, they do not feel as fresh or inventive as they once did. The sense of dread and unease is present, but the film doesn’t take any significant risks or push the boundaries of what we’ve seen before. This could leave long-time fans of the franchise feeling that Saw X doesn’t add much to the mythos of Jigsaw.

Themes and Messages

At its core, Saw X is a film about betrayal, justice, and redemption—albeit through a very twisted lens. The film delves into John Kramer’s psyche, exploring how his experiences with loss and suffering shape his warped philosophy. The idea that every victim deserves a chance to redeem themselves through suffering is central to the franchise’s themes, but Saw X also explores the limits of that philosophy. John’s own sense of betrayal by those he trusted adds a tragic layer to his motivations, making his actions feel somewhat understandable, even if they are deeply disturbing.

The film also touches on the theme of time and mortality, as John faces his own impending death. His desperation to find meaning in his suffering and make others pay for their wrongdoings reflects his inability to accept his own fate. The theme of time—especially the running clock that often accompanies the traps—serves as a reminder of the inescapability of death, and the ultimate futility of trying to control it.

Standout Moments

• The Opening Trap
  The opening trap in Saw X is one of the franchise’s most disturbing, setting the tone for the entire film. The creativity and the stakes are high, immediately reintroducing the audience to the world of Jigsaw. It’s a great way to remind fans what makes the series so compelling.
• The Final Confrontation
  The final confrontation between John and his victims is both tense and emotional. The traps are at their most psychologically complex, testing not just the characters’ physical limits but their moral boundaries. The emotional stakes of the film’s conclusion hit hard, making it one of the more memorable endings in the series.

Final Thoughts

Saw X (2023) is a solid return to form for the Saw franchise. By bringing back the core elements that made the series a cultural touchstone—psychological horror, disturbing traps, and a morally complex antihero—it delivers a satisfying experience for fans of the franchise. Tobin Bell’s return as Jigsaw elevates the film, providing a deeper look into his character and motivations. While the film doesn’t break new ground or offer major surprises, it is a tightly executed, emotionally resonant entry that showcases the enduring power of the Saw mythos.

Rating: 7.5/10

A grim, compelling return to the roots of Saw—brutal, psychological, and unsettling.