Very few franchises are able to maintain their momentum for ten films. With 32 movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a rare exception, although these are spread across multiple series. Horror movies, on the other hand, have the ability to sustain a single idea, often revolving around a single villain, for multiple installments. Despite its problematic history after the second film, Saw X courageously introduces a tenth entry in the series, disregarding almost all previous events in its 19-year legacy.
Saw has faced the threat of ending on several occasions. One of its entries was given the subtitle "The Final Chapter," a display of self-destructive confidence that mirrors similar attempts by Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter and Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. However, none of these films truly marked the end of their respective franchises.
Where does Saw X fit into the timeline?
The Saw timeline is a complete mess. Originally, James Wan and Leigh Whannell never planned on creating sequels for Saw. However, by the third installment, their most memorable character had already died, and the timeline had become incredibly complicated. That's why Saw X wisely chooses to focus on events that occur shortly after the first Saw and before Saw II, effectively ignoring most of the convoluted narrative. However, this approach only serves to distance the new film from the contemporary events of the earlier ones. In fact, the majority of any given Saw movie is devoted to flashbacks. As a result, Saw X takes place towards the end of John Kramer's life.
Kramer has been orchestrating his twisted games for approximately ten years. The exact dates are uncertain, but it's believed that his killing spree began around 1995. In 2003, he recruited a detective named Mark Hoffman to join him after Hoffman tried to pass off one of his own murders as Jigsaw's doing. Then, in March 2004, he subjected Amanda Young to the infamous reverse bear trap and invited her to join his team after she miraculously survived. Saw X shows us a time before Kramer relies on a wheelchair, when he is grooming Amanda to take over his work.
How does Saw X end?
X witnesses Kramer reaching his breaking point as he battles his incurable cancer and receives the devastating news from his doctors. Determined to confront his mortality, Kramer connects with Henry, a friend who has managed to overcome a similar diagnosis, and learns about a groundbreaking experimental treatment. Filled with hope, John embarks on a journey to Mexico to undergo the life-saving procedure. However, upon returning, he discovers a deserted location where he anticipated expressing his gratitude to those who gave him a second chance. Instead, he unearths undeniable proof of the deceitful scam that preyed on John and countless other terminally ill patients. Seeking justice, John enlists the assistance of Detective Hoffman to track down the culprits responsible for this heartless scheme. Additionally, he calls upon Amanda Young to aid him in apprehending the impostor medical professionals. In a strategic move, John lures the fraudulent doctors and nurses to the medical site, effectively trapping them in his high-stakes game of retribution.
Saw X features five central contestants. Cecilia Pederson, the presumed miracle surgeon, recruits Mateo, Valentina, Diego, and Gabriela to deceive John. During the elaborate scheme, Diego, posing as a taxi driver, transports John to the location and assumes the role of a fake doctor during a staged surgery. In a cruel twist, John fastens pipe bombs to Diego's arms and attaches scalpels to his hands, coercing him into mutilating his own forearms to prevent an explosion. Miraculously, Diego survives and divulges his co-conspirators' identities after being apprehended with the assistance of Hoffman and Amanda.
Valentina, a sex worker masquerading as a physician, is forced to sever her own leg using a Gigli saw and extract bone marrow before a larger wire ultimately decapitates her. Although she successfully removes the limb, she tragically runs out of time and succumbs to her injuries. Cecilia, a monstrous character who discards any semblance of humanity when entering the trap, then cuts open Valentina's body and uses her intestines as a makeshift rope. Despite desperately calling for help, her attempts are in vain as her phone is confiscated.
Will there be a Saw XI?
Parker, another patient deceived by Cecilia, arrives brandishing a gun and demanding a refund. Amanda swiftly incapacitates him. John insists that Parker step aside and allow events to unfold. Meanwhile, Mateo must surgically extract a portion of his own brain, depositing it into a beaker to secure his liberation. However, like Valentina, he performs the task too slowly, resulting in a contraption resembling a Panini press that ultimately smothers him. Gabriella is suspended several feet above the ground, subjected to intense radiation from a machine. In a desperate bid for freedom, she fractures her wrist and ankle using a hammer to free herself from her restraints. Despite landing in a crumpled heap, injured but alive, she manages to survive. Parker regains consciousness and holds Amanda and John at gunpoint. He reveals that he was the person Cecilia had summoned for assistance and manipulates John into falling into a trap. At that very moment, a local child named Carlos unknowingly stumbles upon the scene. Cecilia coerces Carlos into involving himself in John's predicament. The challenge entails balancing on a seesaw platform that tips gallons of blood onto whoever is positioned at the bottom. It cruelly necessitates a victim to decide who gets submerged. Through collaborative effort, John and Carlos both manage to emerge unscathed. Meanwhile, Cecilia and Parker collect the ill-gotten money taken from terminally ill patients. John discloses that he had been aware of Parker being Cecilia's accomplice all along. The room is rigged to fill with deadly poison, with the only escape being a minuscule hole. Cecilia abandons Parker to his fate and survives, while witnessing John, Amanda, and Carlos depart. The trio bestows the money upon Carlos. In a scene after the credits, John and Hoffman ensnare Henry in a trap to exact retribution for his deception of John.
Every installment of the Saw franchise is known to have low production costs and high profitability. As long as Tobin Bell remains in the picture, the possibility of another Saw movie remains. However, Saw X does not introduce a whole new realm of possibilities like some other sequels do. Instead, it serves as a bridge between existing storylines. It is worth noting that there has only been one Saw film without the presence of John Kramer, which struggled at the box office and faced harsh criticism. Previously, these movies were released annually. While it is possible that Saw XI could hit the screens next Halloween, it would have to construct a completely new narrative from scratch since Saw X predominantly relies on what already exists.
Saw X gives off a strong cinematic vibe unlike any of its predecessors. Though it falls short in quality, it no longer remains isolated in a niche market. Fans are sure to flock to it in large numbers. As the franchise approaches its 20th anniversary, there is no dearth of support. Saw X offers more than just repetition, hinting at possible surprises in store.
