Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: SAW X (Secret Screening #4) [Fantastic Fest 2023 - Austin, Texas]

The essence of Saw in its many forms always comes back to the original. Having seen the first two films, its perspective was ingrained in the lexicon but never quite revisited by this reviewer until "Spiral" because it took on a different approach. With "Saw X" which played as a Special Screening at Fantastic Fest, this approach functions in an almost novelistic approach adding an addition where Tobin Bell can revisit (since he died in one of the sequels). As discussed in the post film Q&A with the producers, the aspect of the details, the timeline and even the location is always a specific question. Using a certain predilection of perhaps a grifter scam which almost has the ability to take John Kramer in a weakened state, it is interesting to see the build from where the inherent pssychology of the man is brought to bear. The games and lessons that are eventually visited are still brutal and the intent still delivers though the eventual comeuppance almost retreats back a little more than it should.

Shawnee Smith offers an interesting antecedent as Amanda because she, like Jigsaw, uses methodology to accomplish lessons (but again it is informed by later mythology working in reverse). The inherent location adds initially to the intent but then the cohesion of transport doesn't quite connect placing a timing descrepancy however emall. That said, the villain construct actually works well because of the reverse psychology nature of the games Kramer is placing and where his head is at...literally. The dread works in his favor but it is very interesting, especially with the character of Gabriela at one point because of the empathy and compassion Kramer feels as reflected in Renata Vaca playing the character (even though she is playing him). To give away any more of the twists of what Kramer is actually rebelling against would be spoiling the narrative. However the trailer did add and take some out to show a reversal of fortune and it also doesn't use the great music cue by the Hollies. The producer did mention that film it seems was locked before the trailer came out. All in though, the essence of survival (not necessary the primal) and what Kramer actually necessitates as innocence and warranted sacrifice creates a valid and cringeworthy addition to the Saw legacy with X. B

By Tim Wassberg