The Saw film franchise has almost always been a success at the box office, especially during its original run. Nevertheless, these films always had divisive responses from critics, with many feelings being negative beyond the original 2004 film. As for Saw X, however, the first reviews have been incredibly positive -as the movie has an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, the first movie in the entire franchise to have a “fresh” rating.
The new film offers a return to what made the original few films so successful: Tobin Bell. He reprises his role as John Kramer for a story that takes place between Saw and Saw II. And, being that this film is now an emotional journey following the events of the original, it seems to have appealed to critics in an entirely new way.
As you can see below, many of the responses not only call the film “gruesome” with traps worthy of a “chef kiss,” but that it’s “probably the best ‘Saw‘ sequel in about 15 years.” In fact, many viewers highlight Tobin Bell’s performance as John Kramer as one of the best aspects about the film. Perfectly enough, he’s said to have plenty of screen time, with “deeper insight” given to his character.
Here are the Saw X reviews shared on X, formerly known as Twitter:
While I was at Universal today, the social embargo lifted so I can tell you now that #SawX is gruesome, hard-to-watch, and probably the best Saw sequel in about 15 years. It wedges perfectly between 1-2 and unveils a side of Jigsaw we haven’t seen before. Saw fans will enjoy it pic.twitter.com/546PnGaAgw
— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) September 27, 2023
Now that the social embargo has lifted I’m happy to announce that #SAWX is one of the BEST additions to the franchise. It brings back the original essence of the first film while also allowing the audience to gain deeper insight into Kramer. Plus, the traps are *chef kiss* pic.twitter.com/Le3NoMMMvU
— Shannabelle Come Home (@shannon_mcgrew) September 26, 2023
I got to see #SAWX, and it was the first #SawMovie I’ve seen. Tobin Bell really is something in this role, and I can see why interest dwindles without him, and he’s in this a lot. I think the fans will like it, but will it convert a new one? I’m still on the fence. #Lionsgate pic.twitter.com/3QCSrDKO0E
— Kaitlyn Booth (@katiesmovies) September 26, 2023
#SAWX is bound hands down one of the best in the franchise. Putting John Kramer centre stage more than ever works brilliantly and Tobin Bell slays. Amanda’s ‘return’ is executed brilliantly and the traps are amongst some of the best, even when quite simple, plus the story is 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/C7K0m0cfQT
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) September 26, 2023
Safe to say that I think #SawX is easily one of the best crafted films in the franchise. Without sacrificing any of the key ingredients that make a great SAW film, this new installment delivers a more emotional story than I had anticipated…oh and it’s a bloody good time 🧩 pic.twitter.com/t0t8OjbJ8x
— Vannah Taylor 🧩 (@sirendeathcult) September 27, 2023
The Direct’s @RussMilheim was able to see #SawX early, and as a lifelong fan of the franchise, he loved it:
“Jigsaw’s latest sadistic game cuts to the bone, offering a hard-hitting story, some next-level death traps, and strong performances across the entire cast.” pic.twitter.com/4TGzw0snHX
— The Direct (@TheDirect) September 27, 2023
It seems as though Saw X is exactly the type of continuation that fans were hoping for. Tobin Bell’s John Kramer has been greatly missed, especially after Spiral moved so far away from the franchise’s core story. Now, however, Saw appears to be back and potentially better than ever. One can only hope that this means the franchise will continue heading in this direction. Especially with so many plot threads left to explore.
Kevin Greutert, director of Saw VI and Saw: The Final Chapter, returned to direct this new installment of the franchise. He previously edited the first five Saw films as well in addition to Jigsaw.
With Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith portraying their respective characters from the franchise, the film also includes newcomers Renata Vaca, Paulette Hernandez, Joshua Okamoto, Octavio Hinojosa, Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, and Michael Beach.
Fans can see Saw X in theaters on September 29, 2023. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional Saw franchise updates as we have them.