Saw X comes from a franchise known for blood, guts and an antagonist with interesting views on life. But that isn’t all as it is also a time capsule of horror, showing what was popular throughout the years in which each film was released. It has all the traits: tense atmosphere, plot twists, compelling villains, an incredible soundtrack and even the occasional part that’ll make you jump. Despite the overall gore of the films that many are disgusted by there is an oddly entrancing beauty held within these films, one that stems from all the little details held within and this most recent addition to the franchise is no different.
A key trait of the film is its use of colors and hues within the background. In hospital areas we see pale blues and cooler tones, giving it the sterile feel that hospitals are known for, whereas during the trials in the old chemical plant we see sickly and gritty shades of green and yellow with brown mixed in. It gives a sharp distinction between when the plot begins and when it truly picks up, with more reds being visible on screen as the film progresses.
A secondary key trait is the lighting. For the most part the film has darker lighting, especially during the beginning sections that focus on John Kramer and the struggle he faces in receiving treatment for the brain cancer that has impacted so much of his life. The darker lighting is also used during realizations and deaths, showing the large impact of these moments in the story as it represents the dark and brutal reality. In contrast during big character moments and the finale we see everything with more light, showing how these are peak moments.
The soundtrack is by far the best part of the film, with it being composed by Charlie Clouser who also composed the soundtracks for the previous films. There is one particular track I would like to point out, the “Zepp X” track. The Saw films all feature a remix of the “Hello Zepp” track from the first film and it always signifies a plot twist is happening in the movie, but what makes it special with this film is that Zepp X sounds so similar to the original Hello Zepp track. I find it to be a beautiful way to pay homage to the start of this insanely influential piece of horror media.
An interesting point in the film that I want to highlight is the similarities between Amanda and Gabriela in the film. Amanda was a drug addict who was tested by John and then became an apprentice, in contrast Gabriela is a drug addict who also gets tested by John. Amanda is greatly impacted by what Gabriela goes through because she can relate, with the subtleties showing how Amanda is still so naive and still recovering during this film. Both from being an addict and the trauma from her test.
Overall, Saw X is a beautiful film.
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