Saw X reviews: Hailed as one of the best movies in the franchise

The first reviews for Saw X have emerged, and critics and fans seem to think it is one of the best movies of the entire franchise.

The latest Saw horror is a prequel and set between the events of Saw and Saw II, which allowed for Tobin Bell to return as John Kramer in a meaningful role after the character's death at the end of Saw III.

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Jigsaw still featured heavily in the series through flashbacks and recorded messages, but the timing of Saw X means we'll see Kramer alive.

The official synopsis for Saw X reads:

'John Kramer is back. The most disturbing instalment of the Saw franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw's most personal game. Set between the events of Saw I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer -- only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, the infamous serial killer returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through devious, deranged, and ingenious traps.' 

Saw X cast: Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Michael Beach and Renata Vaca.

Saw X reviews

"#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 ." - Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) of Forbes

"By heading back into the past, #SawX has injected fresh blood into the franchise. It delivers what you want (mostly wince-inducing, gore-filled traps), but also attempts something different with a Saw movie. It doesn't all work, but it's the strongest sequel to date." - Ian Sandwell (@ian_sandwell) of Digital Spy.

"Color me shocked that #SawX may be my favorite in the franchise. Its amazing what a compelling story and actually focusing the film on the series villain can do for the experience. This succeeds where Dont Breathe 2 failed in making you cheer for a villain to kill other villains." - Cody Leach (@CodyLeachYT) of YouTube

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

"#SawX is top-tier Saw. Love love LOVED that it's a John Kramer-focused story with a heavy emphasis on his mentor/protégé connection with Amanda. Strikes the ideal balance between standing on its own two feet and enhancing franchise mythology. First time I've walked out of a new Saw movie dying to do another full series rewatch in quite a while." - Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) of Collider.

"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." - Chris Killian (@chriskillian) of ComicBook.com

"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." - Vannah Taylor (@sirendeathcult) of Fangoria