REVIEW: Saw X is a terrifying and terrific addition to the 21st century’s best horror series

When it comes to horror in the 21st century, few series are as iconic as Saw. The voice of the Jigsaw Killer explaining the rules of deadly games, Billy the puppet rolling in on his tricycle, the grungy settings stained with rusted blood. This series invented the horror sub-genre known as torture porn, but despite a couple of additions in the past few years Saw mostly felt like a series past its prime.

Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young in Saw X, courtesy of Lionsgate.

But Saw X is one of the more unique additions to this series, and one that could resuscitate the series’ popularity. Two of the more famous players in the franchise, Tobin Bell (from 24) and Shawnee Smith (from Anger Management) return to their most famous roles. Bell plays the Jigsaw Killer, who has becomes one of the more iconic horror villains of recent years, and Smith plays his once victim and now apprentice Amanda Young.

Saw X is an interquel, set between the first and second entries of the series. Jigsaw, also known as John Kramer, is suffering from brain cancer and will die in a few months. But he hears about an experimental procedure that appears to have had great results with fighting cancer. He travels to Mexico City and throws himself into the procedure, only to realize it’s a con to target the most vulnerable. With revenge on his mind, he starts a new game to target those who target the most vulnerable.

This entry, which feels like it’s designed entirely for the fans, also excels at introducing the core concepts to new fans. Kramer sees himself as a healer, someone who doesn’t kill but helps people realize what’s important. Bell’s previous portrayals of this villain have always leaned into the horror and the fear, but in this latest entry he looks inward. Bell plays the protagonist here, with the audience identifying with his tragic circumstances. It feels almost cathartic when the traps begin for those who wronged him, despite their shocking and grotesque gore.

Bell has one of the best voices of any horror film, truly iconic. Cold and low, steely yet hiding intense pain. His powerful eyes pierce the viewer like a rusty piece of metal, and he delivers easily a career-high performance in this role. While the Jigsaw Killer has often been a villain with a degree of humanity to him, we see the hurt man trying to help in his demented way here.

The return of Shawnee Smith will be a source of joy for many fans. While she appeared in this series less than Bell did, she was a fan favourite right from the beginning. One who performed excellently, especially in the terrific Saw III. But here she shows a tenderness, playing a twisted father-daughter relationship with Bell’s teacher than feels almost heartwarming. But a horror film is only as good as its horror, and with a cast of terrible people led by the doctor organizing the scam (played by Synnøve Macody Lund from Ragnarok), there’s a perverse joy in seeing them fight for their lives.

Octavio Hinojosa as Mateo in Saw X, courtesy of Lionsgate.

But what’s always made Saw stand out other than the fantastic villain and horrifying traps is the aesthetics. This series started in a dirty broken-down bathroom, and almost every entry has kept that immaculate aesthetic. This entry leans into it hard, courtesy of director Kevin Greutert who directed the 6th and 7th entries as well as editing the majority of them. His return to the series feels like a homecoming, one that makes for a truly fantastic horror film.

If you’ve never seen a Saw film, this could be a fantastic starting point. And if you are a fan, you already know that this is one you can’t miss. For those who aren’t into gore or horror, this is probably not the film for you. But it is a terrific entry, and absolutely a great way to start off this Halloween season. I give this film a 4/5, you can watch it in cinemas now.