Saw X will reveal yet another previously undisclosed chapter in Jigsaw’s sinister game. It unfolds between the events of Saw I and Saw II, when John Kramer embarks on a journey to Mexico “for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer–only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable.” Fueled by a renewed sense of purpose, the serial killer goes back to his mission, “turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through devious, deranged, and ingenious traps.” Is that covered by his copay?
Saw X is written by Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, and directed by Kevin Greutert (Saw VI, Saw 3D). The film’s cast includes Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Michael Beach, Renata Vaca, and Tobin Bell coming back as John Kramer. (You can read more about Bell’s return here.)
As of this writing, Saw X has an aggregate score of 64 on Metacritic, based on nine critic reviews. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a higher 82% based on 39 reviews. These scores will shift as other outlets publish their takes, and since it isn’t out just yet–it hits theaters on September 29–there are no audience ratings available.
Below, you’ll see a selection of the many reviews of Saw X that have already been published.
Saw X
- Directed By: Kevin Greutert
- Written By: Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg
- Starring: Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Michael Beach, Renata Vaca, and Tobin Bell
- Premiere Date: September 29
Guardian – 2/5
“It might be somewhat better than the lowest lows of the franchise but there’s really nothing here to justify why we’re being dragged back to the horrors of the 2000s. We’ve seen enough.” – Benjamin Lee – [Full review]
TheWrap
“Greutert’s film brings back the core elements that made these movies work. It’s an uncomplicated, effective horror thriller, even though it’s trapped itself in the past with nowhere else to go.” – William Bibbiani – [Full review]
IndieWire – 83
“You don’t need to watch the other movies in the Saw series to enjoy this one, but it will help. With some Avengers-style phone calls in Act One and a mid-credits kicker, this is Saw in the superhero age. It’s a flick for the die-hard fans that rewards those who keep asking for more. After a decade as Halloween’s most hyped-up annual release in the aughts, Saw is finally back this October to tell Taylor Swift she’s not the only one doing vigilante shit. Congrats, Tobin. You deserve this one.” – Alison Foreman – [Full review]
The Daily Beast – 80
“By cleverly setting its timeline between the series’ first two installments, Saw X is both an invigorating thrill ride on par with the franchise’s best entries and a trenchant, timely charge against industrial systems set in place to keep humans sick.” – Coleman Spilde – [Full review]
ScreenCrush – 30
“Almost 20 years into the franchise, Saw X showcases an emotional depth that manages to take one of these stories higher than ever before. Make no mistake, though, the traps are still on full display and Jigsaw still has full intent to showcase the true evils of humanity.” – Amelia Emberwing – [Full review]
The Hollywood Reporter – 60
“None of this would work nearly as well without Bell, whose raspy voice and menacing gravitas are so riveting that he makes Jigsaw’s oft-repeated declaration “I’d like to play a game” scary as hell. He’s made the character truly iconic, much like Robert Englund did with Freddy Krueger. Accept no substitutions.” – Frank Scheck – [Full review]
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