Saw X (2023)
When I learned about the release date of the film, it said, 29 September. Fortunately, it released a day early here in India and I was one of the few people who rushed to the theatre to watch the film, cause truth be told, this is the only film franchise I find scary
Right then, enough talk, let’s get on with it
John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is informed by the doctors that unfortunately, they have no cure for his cancer. But they also tell him that Doctor Cecilia Pederson (Synnøve Macody Lund) is the one who might be able to help him. And so, John travels to Mexico to get his cancer treated. He gets the operation done, but the scans show that his cancer is not treated as the tumor was never removed
Realizing that he’s been cheated by Cecilia and her team, John swears revenge against them by kidnapping and forcing them into a series of deadly traps designed by him along with his apprentice Amanda Young ( Shawnee Smith)
First of all, I would like to applaud the writers, Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, for writing such a brilliant story to bring the saw franchise back on track after some “bad apples”. The story grips you from the first minute and never lets you go till the screen goes black. Bravo!
The pace of the film, although slow in the initial moments, picks up once John realizes he’s been cheated, and from there, there’s no turning back. As expected, there are plenty of jumpscares in the film, which I actually loved more than the violence this time
Nowadays, I’m having an issue with the direction in English films, that is, rushing to finish it quickly. Examples include the recently released Expendables 4, Heart of Stone, Meg 2 etc. Thankfully, that issue is not there with this film. The direction is very nice as the film feels balanced. Director Kevin Greutert knew what he was doing as he starts the film with a slow pace and knows when to pick up. Bullseye 🎯
Now, the performances. Ah, what can one say about Tobin Bell? Look at him, he’s been doing the saw films for more than 15 years now but he still doesn’t seem tired. He just owns the screen like in the rest of the saw films. Listen to the intensity in his voice when he confronts his cheaters. Amazing, sir, amazing.
I’m really impressed with Synnøve Macody Lund‘s performance in the film as Cecilia. The scene where she talks to John about treating his cancer. Her tone in that scene. Forget John, anyone would be conned. And her facial expressions when John starts getting revenge. On-point, way to go.
Shawnee Smith returns as Amanda yet again and she’s good in her part. Rest of the cast members also do well in their parts
Overall
Story: 4.5/5
Screenplay: 4/5
Acting: 4/5
Direction: 5/5
Oh, and I watched the film in 4DX. Make sure you do too
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️