After multiple reboots, they finally got it right! I’d like to think if it wasn’t for Saw II being rushed, then I would have hoped that they would have made something as epic as this.

Having this entry be set between Saw and Saw II felt like it was doomed from the beginning. Between Jigsaw & Spiral, I was beginning to feel the burnout of this franchise. Essentially, I felt like the viewers were just case studies just to see what would stick. In a franchise that I once admired, I was truly feeling the opposite as I felt like there was no sense of direction anymore. Even though director Kevin Greutert made one of the best entries, Saw VI, he also made one of the worst, Saw 3D. I was very unsure of what to expect as he was returning this time around. Turns out, he once again made one of the best entries.

Positives

I believe one of the reasons why Greutert made such a high quality film with this is due to the amount of time between 7 and this one. With the 7th entry, it truly felt like he was forced into something he didn’t want to be a part of. But with this entry, he gets the opportunity to make something different than what has come before. It feels like he has had a genuine break from the franchise in order to return with a new perspective on it. Not only does he bring what made the previous entries successful to this one, but he brings in new aspects such as the emotional core of John Kramer’s character and new editing techniques that he also used as an editor.

What really helps getting attached to the film is how the first half dedicates so much to John Kramer. Seeing him from a protagonist point of view isn’t exactly the first time this happened. Most of his test subjects from the past have always been pretty much horrible people, and I’d say the movies have always done a good job of exploring the horrible person that he became. What makes this one different is the fact that this allows the audience to spend a considerable amount of time with the character. That way when the truth actually comes out about the people who screwed him over, we are just as mad as he is.

Aside from this aspect of the story, there is another aspect of the story that truly stands out, which is the plot between Kramer and his apprentice, Amanda Young. There is a lot to like here from her questioning John’s tactics to not wanting to lose him as she views him as her savior. It’s definitely one of the better portrayals of their relationship in this franchise.

While the twist is a bit predictable, it’s also very plausible and effective. There were moments where I was surprised of the direction, then I was able to see it coming, and it actually did happen. I think what made them still effective is just based on the believability of it and how well written it all is.

Negatives

I understand and respect that others really enjoy the traps. Even with that being an enticing aspect of this franchise, I still wish that they would tone down the unbelievability and focus more on the intensity of the issue, much like how the first one did. While I’d say the film does more creative things with the traps, there were just certain moments that I questioned why it was done in the first place more than I should.

What Could Have Been Better…

Even though it didn’t bother me as much, I thought more about it long after watching it. There are two key characters who’s fate is never explained or addressed. I am sure for the sake of more sequels. Instead, I think the film could have been better if this was actually addressed. That way there would be more closure for this one and allow any potential sequels explore other things rather than typing up loose ends from the previous entry. Aside from toning down the unbelievability with the gore, this is one other aspect that I would have changed.

Overall, Saw X is not only a return to form for the long-running franchise, but finally points it in the right direction after multiple reboots. Perhaps what makes the film so brilliant to begin with is at its emotional core as it focuses more than ever on John Kramer, who also happens to give a career-best performance. Even if the franchise goes down from here, at least I know we got something as special as this entry.

VERDICT: Amazing