It is the end of October, which can only mean two things: Halloween and Saw. Having released a film every October since 2004, the Saw franchise has made the gory holiday its home; entertaining the masses with a 'killer' who doesn't actually kill.
His name is Jigsaw, and if you have been keeping up with the story, you know that he died two years ago in Saw III. However, unlike most stories, Saw does not carry a linear path. Instead, much like its killer, each film represents a small piece to the overall premise. Together, the films form a seamless story of depth and circumstance. However, when separated, each installment carries its own tone and approach, creating fear and worry within all those watching. And now, with the release of the fifth piece in a seemingly never ending twine of self-murder, Saw takes on a completely new direction; one that will surprise the die-hards and confuse the newcomers.
The film picks up where the third and fourth ended as Detective Straum uncovers the hidden floor that has housed the terminally ill Jigsaw for much of the series. However, within minutes, Straum is coerced into playing a game of ultimate survival as he wakes from a medically induced sleep with his head trapped in an air-tight glass box. As water begins to rush down the pipes and into the box, Straum must think quick, knowing that his chances at survival are slim to none. And though he does not know it at the time, the survival of this game will lead to countless answers; ones that could finally shine a light on the story that turned a seemingly normal man into a feared criminal who forced others to kill.
Let us start with the cast. Led by Tobin Bell, who continues to be a surprise star after his unexpected death at the conclusion of Saw III, the cast of this fifth film is both strong and diverse. In the midst of all the franchise regulars, you get new characters from the likes of Meagan Good and Julie Benz, both of whom must fight their way through a tragic series of traps left behind by the historic killer.
As expected, Bell leads the charge, giving the audience an involuntary shutter at the slightest sight of his face. His presences brings about excitement and anguish as you anticipate his next move, though fearful of what it might entail. His tone is one of power and authority, causing every thought in your mind to evaporate; forcing you to give all your attention to him. Bell's task is difficult; however, he does it with amazing precision, nailing the part and creating a slight uneasiness within the mind of all those watching.
The best part of the film is hearing the infamous tape recorder as it spells out the daunting and often impossible task that lay before the doomed victim. The raspy voice and iconic dummy sitting on a bicycle have come to represent that of a greater force, a signal that in all reality, the victim will be dead within the next sixty seconds.
Which brings me to the surprise performance of Meagan Good and Julie Benz, both of whom are forced to play Jigsaw's little game of redemption? Trapped with three others in an abandoned building, the two girls must work their way through a maze of traps, all leading to an apparatus that is as disturbing as it is ingenious. And though their performances are supporting, they both accurately portray the chaotic mind that sets in after hearing the horrific rules for any self-induced murder; especially when it is treated as if a game.
While the individual performances were all good, especially for the likes of a horror film; I found the cast's dedication and loyalty to the franchise more impressive than anything. For five films now, many cast members have continued to reprise their roles, regardless of how small or uninflected they might be. As a result, the film has been able to carry a sense of continuality, one that helps to promote its non linear order, prompting many to second guess every action that is taken within the film.
Would the film survive with a new set of actors? Probably. However, by keeping the same faces throughout, the series has been able to outwit those in the audience, sending them on a wild goose chase that always seems to end with more questions than answers.
As for the story, I was surprised by its direction. The last time we saw Jigsaw, we were fortunate to learn about his past, his reasons for becoming a man of ultimate torture. Through these small glimpses into his life, audience members were able to see the cause and effect, building a deeper relationship with the man, and for the first time, relating to him as a human being.
This time around, though his personal life is left untouched, we get to see more answers unfold about Jigsaw's past. From his alliance with a third part to his ability to outlive his death, we follow Detective Straum, uncovering the truth and fearing for our own life along the way.
For the first time in the series, and possibly ever in terms of a horror genre, the film dedicated itself to the big picture, the overall story. Never did it harp on the traps that have become a staple within the franchise, and never did it venture too far outside of the box. Instead, it stayed within itself, working its way through this particular piece of the puzzle, never revealing too much, rather just enough to keep you wanting more.
Sadly, it is this quality that gives the film its ultimate hurdle. Trying to juggle three separate story lines, all of which interlock and separate at numerous times during the film, Saw V jumps around vigorously in an attempt to keep your attention without the use of constant blood and guts. There are traps, that I can guarantee; however, they are not nearly as plentiful as in the past. Instead, they serve as a single backdrop to the procession of the story, giving audience members exactly what they have come to expect from the series, but lingering more towards story and character development than actual scare tactics.
And as the film comes to a close, Saw V delivers in high fashion, providing one of the most intense conclusions to ever come out of the series. Taking the audience by storm, you quickly learn that while Jigsaw may be dead, his directions are well thought out, almost too well in fact. You must listen to him in order to stay alive, a task that many are learning a bit too late.
The film is not scary, which is a major disappointment. However, it is smart, deep and clever; three words that I never thought I would use to characterize a horror film. But the more I think about it, Saw V really isn't a horror film at all. Instead, it is a blend of genres, ultimately serving as a character piece, stuck in the middle of an otherwise all out bloodbath.
