It has been 19 years since the release of James Wan and Leigh Whannell‘s Saw, a gore fest at the time that surprisingly captivated mainstream audiences. Considered to be the granddaddy of the torture porn subgenre, it has become one of the most dominant franchises in the horror genre, amassing nine other films and birthing a new horror icon known as Jigsaw. However, as the franchise’s popularity grew, it ventured into increasingly over-the-top territory, losing the raw grittiness and simplicity that made the original so compelling. Thankfully I’m here to tell you that SAW X returns the franchise to form.

Directed by Kevin Greutert (Saw VI, Saw 3D) from a script by Josh Stolberg (Jigsaw) and Pete Goldfinger (Spiral), SAW X takes place shortly after the events of the first film. An increasingly sicker John Kramer (Tobin Bell) travels to Mexico in order to get a controversial procedure that could be a miracle cure for his cancer. Headlining the procedure is Dr. Cecilia Pederson (Synnøve Macody Lund), head of the Pederson Project which is responsible for the creation of this miracle cure, along with her assistants Mateo (Octavio Hinojosa), the anesthesiologist, Gabriela (Renata Vaca), a former patient dedicated to helping Dr. Pederson, and Valentina (Paulette Hernandez) a nurse assisting the surgeon.

The movie begins at a surprisingly slow pace, but that’s not necessarily a drawback. These quieter moments in Mexico give the audience a deeper look into the person that John Kramer is. During these scenes, we witness a softer side of him, shedding the monstrous image we associate with him, at least initially. Stolberg and Goldfinger craft a sympathetic narrative of Kramer, urging the audience to humanize a character who is, by all accounts, a serial killer. It’s refreshing to see this tender side of Kramer before it’s subsequently shattered when he uncovers that the entire operation was a scheme to exploit the terminally ill for their money.

One of the film’s most exciting elements is Tobin Bell’s return. After John Kramer/Jigsaw died in Saw III, the remainder of the Saw movies only offered glimpses of him in flashbacks or tape recordings. However, with Bell’s return, we get to see him seamlessly slip back into the character he made so famous and iconic. Bell resurrects Kramer in a way that feels effortless as though he’s wearing a second skin. Much like Robert Englund’s iconic portrayal of Freddy Krueger, Bell truly is Kramer, minus all the murder. In the future when the franchise inevitably gets remade for a new generation, filling Tobin Bell’s large shoes will be no easy task.

Regarding the rest of the cast, the scamming medical staff delivers convincing performances filled with screams, tears, begging, and, of course, dying. Each actor effectively fulfills their role, but it’s Synnøve Macody Lund and Renata Vaca who truly shine. Their contrasting personalities on screen create a great dichotomy for their characters, challenging the viewer’s moral compass regarding their treatment. Vaca’s portrayal of Gabriella showcases vulnerability, evoking sympathy and hope that she’ll succeed over Kramer’s twisted games. In contrast, Lund’s Dr. Cecilia Pederson embodies coldness, showcasing her cruelty and unforgiving nature.

Furthermore, the return of Amanda, portrayed by Shawnee Smith, is another highlight for franchise fans. Watching her mentorship with Kramer develop on a deeper level adds depth to the film and we really see how Kramer molds Amanda into what she needs to be in order to continue on as Jigsaw. Similar to Tobin Bell’s irreplaceable role as Kramer, Shawnee Smith’s performance as Amanda is second to none, making her and Kramer’s return a special treat for fans.

Let’s be honest; what you’re most curious about are the traps, and rest assured, they do not disappoint. Set within a decaying chemical plant, the location is ripe for instruments of death. Unlike the traps in later films, these ones are surprisingly appropriate for the situation. While you may need to suspend disbelief, overall they feel like creations that could possibly be constructed from someone in that environment. There’s something unsettling about the “simplicity” of these traps and the sheer horror of witnessing someone meet their demise in them, especially when compared to the convoluted, over-the-top contraptions that felt impossible to construct.

With that said, SAW X stands out as one of the best additions to the franchise. It brings back the original essence of the Saw series with its gritty, dirty feel while also allowing the audience to gain deeper insight into Kramer. While some might want more complex and bloodier traps, they’ll likely find the film’s horrors surprisingly chilling. Unlike its predecessors, SAW X elicits empathy for Kramer, leaving it to the audience to decide whether that’s a positive or negative outcome. Personally, he takes on the role of an anti-hero for those of us who deal with medical issues and have to encounter the complexities and hardships that surround navigating that space.

We welcome with open arms the return of John Kramer and we hope you will enjoy his newest game too when SAW X arrives in theaters on September 29th.