When it comes to “classic” horror franchises, I’m more than excited to give a new series a try, and it’s usually something I don’t regret. However, when I watched the original “Saw” four years ago, I deemed it one of the worst movies I had ever seen. I found it boring, pointless and uneventful.
However, many friends insisted I give the series another try. With “Saw X” released on Sept. 29, I found there to be no better time than now to rewatch the first “Saw” with a fresh mindset. Now, I can say I owe an infinite amount of apologies to all those I shut down for enjoying the movie.
“Saw” follows two strangers, Adam Stanheight (Leigh Whannel) and Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes), who wake up chained to a dirty bathroom with no recollection of how they got there. It’s quickly discovered that the two are pawns in a sick game orchestrated by the mastermind Jigsaw, in which they need to find their way out or face death.
The concept itself wasn’t intriguing enough to me, as I’ve found myself disliking films where people get locked in a room and have to find their way out. It’s often incredibly slow-paced, boring and unfulfilling. In fact, as the movie started, I wasn’t giving it my full attention. However, when Lawrence and Adam began searching for and piecing together clues as to how they ended up in such a situation, I put all distractions to the side and was fully engaged.
Although I usually gravitate toward horror movies full of jump scares and violence, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a film with a greater meaning aside from surface-level gore. “Saw” doesn’t rely on jump scares in any way, rather it allows the unsettling scenery and horrifying backstory of Jigsaw to add to the intrigue of Adam and Lawrence being trapped. And, more importantly, any gore and violence effectively contributes to the twisted mental games being played on the two, as opposed to random “scary” moments to shock the audience.
Alongside making sure each action was purposeful, “Saw” held a greater point than what one would think. It creatively showcased the dark and cruel nature of humanity, from the flashbacks of the past that don’t come together until the end to watching the two main characters slowly losing grip on reality as they begin to learn more about themselves and one another. Watching the film go from confusing and seemingly plain to thrilling and action-packed was an enthralling experience.
Ever since watching “Saw,” the movie’s concept, villain and traps haven’t left my mind since. I am more than shocked to have enjoyed the film as much as I did, especially after relentlessly hating it for years. In fact, with “Saw X” being in theaters, I fully intend to watch the rest of the series so that I can enjoy this one outside of my room. I would rate the first “Saw” an 8/10.
