31 Days of Halloween: Jigsaw’s Deadly Puzzle

SAW (2004)

******* (7 out of 10 stars)
Starring: Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Dina Meyer, and Monica Potter.

“I want to play a game.” Jigsaw

The film “SAW” opens with a grim and gritty atmosphere that immediately grips the viewer, with its filthy dilapidated, abandoned backdrop. The unsettling air is thick with tension, setting the stage for a tale that is designed to enhance feelings of vulnerability, isolation, and helplessness.  As the story unfolds, we’re introduced to a world of moral retribution, where the graphic possibilities of Lex Talionis, and the stark reality of dire consequences are revealed. It is here where each character’s depth is revealed through believable performances that anchor the viewer in a suspension of disbelief, particularly as they emotionally succumb their grim fate, plummeting evermore to grim despair.

Initially, I avoided “SAW,” apprehensive about its reputation for graphic violence—a concern that was quite valid for its time, and much too heavy for me at that time in my life. By the way, the reputation is deserved, but time has aged the effects a little. Yet, as I immersed myself in the story, I found that it was not just a series of gruesome encounters, but a well-crafted narrative with a pace that kept me at the edge of my emotional seat. The originality of the plot is its greatest strength, weaving a more complex story that was expected. The tale both surprises and engages.

Reflecting on my initial hesitation, I realize that dismissing “SAW” would have been a disservice to my claim of being a true horror aficionado. The film’s contribution to the genre is undeniable, offering an intricate look at human nature under duress. It was a revelation that prompted me to reconsider my stance on the franchise—a journey I now anticipate with a mix of dread and excitement. I suspect that the sequels will not measure up to the original, but since I admit to the error of prejudging the original, I guess I’ll let the speak for themselves.

While the violence may have been overtly graphic for its era, today it underscores the film’s intense narrative rather than detracting from it. “SAW” challenges viewers to confront their own perceptions of horror, much like those early tales of supernatural justice. I recommend that this film is too graphic for younger audiences and would consider other options for family time. As I conclude, I find myself aligned with its twisted journey, eager to explore the franchise further, guided by the rusty, blood-tinted path it promises.