Saw X (Mini-Review)

Saw X is the tenth installment of the Saw series. It takes place between the first and second Saw movies. John Kramer is told that he has mere months to live. As he is penning his will, he sees a man from a cancer support meeting he attended. Henry Kessler says his cancer was cured by an experimental Norwegian treatment. John tracks down the daughter of the doctor and soon finds himself in Mexico. After the treatment he finds out the horrible truth: the treatment had been a lie. With the help of Amanda Young and Mark Hoffman, he sets up a new series of traps. Saw X was released in 2023. It was directed by Kevin Greutert. It stars Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Synnøve Macody Lund.

There is a mid credits scene that resolves the fate of a character.

The reason I was so excited about this movie was that Amanda Young had returned. As the movie takes place between the first two Saw movies, she is alive and a loyal follower to John. This movie delves more into her worship of the serial killer. It helps show that she doesn't follow him blindly but actively questions him. He, in turn, is understanding and does his best to reassure her. She talks about how she isn't ready to take over for him and I really wish she didn't end up dying in the third movie. I would have loved to see her taking on the mantle of Jigsaw. Of her getting over her self-doubts. Of her becoming the power she was always destined to become. Can you tell I love the character?

The Saw franchise has always had a problem of explaining John's point of view without making people think he is in the right. His traps are not always fair and his victims are not always deserving of such cruel punishments. As this movie is told from John's point of view and the victims so cruel, it isn't easy to see him as a bad guy. In fact I couldn't fault John on what he did. Being disabled, I've encountered some of the best and worse of the medical profession. So even if all the victims aren't the worst people ever, they still messed with the lives of desperate people.

The latest installment in the Saw series changes things up while keeping them the same. As viewers aren't usually privy to John's inner thoughts, the twist endings are a big thing. At least when done correctly. But knowing what John had planned I thought there wouldn't be any big twists. Though there was always the thought that no way could there be a Saw movie without a twist ending. Even Spiral had a twist at the ending, though everyone had predicted it. I'm happy to say that this movie still reveals something going on under the surface by film's end.

I would highly recommend Saw X to those who are fans of the Saw series. I would also highly recommend Saw X to those looking for a gory but heartfelt horror movie.