Saw X
Mark BurgAvailable in
September 29, 2023Quality option
WEB-DL 1080p | 720p | 480pLanguage
Hindi (ORG 2.0) + English 5.1 / ESubsDirector
Kevin GreutertMain Stars
Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund
The murky depths of horror cinema have often led sequels to struggle to breathe fresh life into tired franchises, Saw X comes out as a real surprise. With its beacon of terror, gore and suspense coupled with a narrative depth, makes it a great watch for adult audiences. Something which was sorely missing from the franchise for a long time.
Coming in from the brilliant minds of Kevin Greutert and penned by Peter Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, this tenth instalment in the Saw franchise becomes a testament to its enduring legacy.
Saw X: Cast of characters
While Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith reprise their iconic roles in the film, there are plenty of fresh faces on screen with Saw X. Here is a complete overview of the film’s cast.
Lead cast
Tobin Bell mesmerises once again in his enigmatic role of John Kramer, the anti-hero with a chilling charisma and unsettling authenticity that sends shivers down the spine, much like the sinister aura exuded by the demonic entity in Shaitaan. Alongside, Shawnee Smith returns as Amanda Young, reprising her role as the tortured apprentice, drawing parallels to the conflicted characters in Shaitaan who grapple with the darkness within themselves. The duo return to the big screen while infusing the film with their trademark intensity and conviction, reminiscent of the gripping performances that make Shaitaan a haunting experience.
Support cast
Standout performers among the support cast can be attributed to various new talents brought to the big screen by the creators. Michael Beach, Steven Brand, Synnove Macody Lund and others integrated seamlessly into the twisted world of Saw X and added a layer of intrigue to the tapestry of the narrative.
Production details for Saw X
While not without its challenges, the project had to undergo several phases before the launch. Here is a quick rundown of the film’s development.
Project inception
The script’s development can be traced back to 2018 when it was first conceived by the creators. And with an unwavering dedication from behind the scenes, the final project was brought to life on the big screen. The writer duo also did a terrific job of crafting a masterful script which set the stage for a thrilling experience for the audience like no other.
Filming
The haunting backdrops of Saw X are in Mexico City. The brooding and eerie atmosphere embraced the surroundings and weaved the city into the fabric of the narrative. With intricate death trap designs that pushed the boundaries of practical effects, the team was able to offer a visual spectacle that is horrifying, but strangely, mesmerising.
The crew behind the scenes deserve special applause and commendation for their efforts in capturing the gritty essence of the original films while infusing modern visuals.
Critical response to the release of Saw X
It would be safe to say that critics almost unanimously praised Bell in the role of John Kramer, with some even calling it the career-defining performance that elevates the film to brand new heights, exceeding the expectations often set for horror movies. The narrative was successful in adding the depth and emotional resonance that struck a chord with both critics and audiences alike, setting it apart from many other horror movies that prioritize scares over substance. With an impressive rating and widespread acclaim for its bold storytelling and thematic complexity, Saw X has overcome the curse of the genre that often plagued other films with mediocrity, establishing itself as a standout among horror movies that truly resonate with viewers.
Media reviews
Almost every major publication was all for praises for the tenth instalment. Critics pointed out that the story made complete sense when compared to the original, a well thought out story. Many were also in praise for the character development in the film along with the major plot twists.
However, not all were in praises as some criticised the film for the lack of focus on Kramer’s vulnerability and the lacklustre appearance of Shawnee Smith in the role of Amanda. While she makes her return to the franchise after Saw VI, her character is mostly relegated to doing most of John’s dirty work. It’s hard to be a disciple of Jigsaw and Smith hadn’t been able to get the screen time to show off her chops as an actor.
Online reviews
Online reviews for Saw X are also on the positive side with many commenting that Saw X actually feels like a movie and not an endless marathon of torture and killing. There’s more talking and the perfect ratio of story and gore made sure to pay off well at the box office. The death traps are noted for being innovative in their approach to presenting views with horror. Many note that it is only the sole reason for which they saw the movie.
Saw X: Release and box office success
The launch of the film was enough to send down shockwaves among the fans. And despite facing some stiff competition, it surely clawed to success.
Theatrical launch
Saw X was released in theatres on September 29, 2023, and solidified its status as a horror powerhouse in the franchise. The film was subsequently released for home media as well as OTT for a larger audience.
Box office performance
Saw X has grossed over $53 million in the US and Canada, and over $111 million in the global market which was a huge success for the creators. The film was released alongside other movies like PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, and The Creator and was able to make $8 million on its first day of launch and Thursday night previews contributed another $2 million. With a projection of $18 million in the opening weekend, the numbers sorely fell short of expectations. But these numbers were significantly better than the other recent instalments of the franchise.
While the collection in the opening weekend was below the average of the franchise, the film soon picked up speed and went on to top the box office charts in the UK and Ireland.
Saw X marks the triumphant return to form of the beloved franchise that stole our breaths back with the original in 2004. Offering the iconic blend of horror and humanity, the film is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat till the credits roll. And with the tantalizing twists and visceral thrills, the tenth instalment in the franchise serves as a worthy sequel and a testament to the enduring legacy of Saw. And with hints at the next chapter of Saw XI, the game is far from over.
