These ratings change often, but as it stands now Saw X has secured the highest Rotten Tomatoes score in the franchise’s history. The 10th installment, now in theaters, has received an 84 percent “fresh” rating, garnering positive feedback from critics and audiences alike.
The Saw series, known for its intricate traps and psychological horror, has seen varied critical reception over the years. The inaugural 2004 film, which set the stage for the franchise, previously held the record with a 50 percent freshness rating. This original movie, often hailed as a pioneering thriller, was instrumental in catapulting the careers of notable figures like director James Wan and co-writer Leigh Whannell.
However, not all films in the series have been as fortunate. Saw: The Final Chapter, released in 2010, languished at the bottom with a mere 9 percent rating. Even the star-studded Spiral: From the Book of Saw, featuring Hollywood heavyweights Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, managed only 37 percent.
What sets Saw X apart? Many attribute its success to its return to the franchise’s roots while offering a fresh perspective. The film serves as a prequel, filling the narrative gap between the first two movies. Tobin Bell, reprising his role as the menacing Jigsaw (or John Kramer), has been lauded for his performance. Critics have noted that Bell’s portrayal in Saw X is particularly riveting, with The Hollywood Reporter praising his “raspy voice and menacing gravitas”.
Director Kevin Greutert, who previously worked on Saw VI and Saw 3D, seems to have struck the right chord with audiences this time around. The Independent highlighted Greutert’s understanding of the franchise’s fanbase, stating that he delivers “exactly what they want”.
Other reviews have been equally favorable:
- Bloody Disgusting: “Saw X delivers a franchise high, and that’s no small feat ten installments deep. There’s a comfortable sense of awareness and humor found in a sequel that utilizes its pared-back simplicity to showcase the characters and gore.”
- DigitalSpy: Saw X has delivered the most effective Saw sequel yet … Saw X might still deliver the gore you’d expect from a Saw outing, yet in attempting to do something new and not just the same-old, it’s potentially injected the series with fresh blood.”
- IndieWire: “People have got to stop fucking with John Kramer. … 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. … Most agonizing, suspenseful Saw sequel yet.”
Saw X has set a new benchmark for future installments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, this film promises a thrilling ride.