How a horror franchise returned to its roots to deliver its best-reviewed installment yet.
In short: After the lackluster performance of 2021's Spiral, the producers of the Saw series pivoted back to their core themes. By focusing on the humanity of John Kramer and utilizing practical effects over CGI, Saw X became the highest-rated film in the franchise, grossing over $125 million worldwide.
Set between the events of the original 2004 Saw and its 2005 sequel, Saw X follows John Kramer as he travels to Mexico seeking a cure for his terminal brain cancer. After discovering the experimental procedure is a sophisticated scam, Kramer—played by Tobin Bell—seeks retribution by subjecting the perpetrators to his signature death traps. The film marks a return to the gritty, textural aesthetic of the mid-2000s entries, intentionally avoiding modern digital de-aging techniques to preserve the emotional authenticity of Bell and co-star Shawnee Smith.
The production, directed by Kevin Greutert, relied heavily on practical effects to maintain the series' visceral reputation. The commitment to realism was so intense that an assistant editor had local police called to his office after neighbors mistook the sound design of a trap sequence for an actual crime in progress. This dedication resonated with critics, who praised the film for balancing its trademark gore with a surprising amount of character-driven narrative, ultimately earning an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite its success, the film represents a transitional moment for the franchise. It was the final entry produced by Twisted Pictures, which sold its stake to Blumhouse Productions in June 2025. While Lionsgate retains substantial ownership, the future of the series is now under the creative influence of Blumhouse owner Jason Blum, who has expressed interest in collaborating with original franchise co-creator James Wan to reinvent the series for future installments.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Saw X
- Also: Wikidata — Saw X · CC0
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