SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW: Sign Us Up For Another Chapter

Franchises, especially within the horror genre, have their ups and downs – many unable to fully capture the spirit of the first film that had made it so great, to begin with. The Saw franchise is the perfect example. The first film by director and writer James Wan was shocking, horrific, and captivating. What would soon become a common thread of horror, Wan brought to audiences “torture porn” as a source of redemption or termination, each device is carefully woven in a puzzle of murder and mystery. Just when you thought you had it worked out, there was just one more twist left to throw you.

Saw would later be expanded into a total of eleven films, the following nine films following the original – each finding their own layer of success and failure, yet culminating in an ingenious conclusion that brought the entire franchise full circle. In 2017, an attempted revitalization of the series would be presented to audiences, new tortures and mysteries giving false promises of a continuation to the series. Jigsaw left much to be desired and marred the final conclusion the franchise that had been so cleverly crafted.

So when I heard that the Saw franchise was back, with Chris Rock the film’s lead, and Saw veteran director Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, III, and IV) at the helm, I found myself apprehensively hopeful the franchise could truly make a comeback. While it has some issues along the way, Spiral: From the Book of Saw proves there is still more of the story to tell.

The Pigs are Back

Spiral kicks off a bit differently than previous films within the franchise. We are not immediately introduced to a helpless and unknown victim at the cusp of death. Rather, audiences will find the series in a moment of euphoria, fireworks erupting over a July 4th festival, a man casually walking through the crowd. Not to long after his introduction, he is knocked into by a thief, who subsequently steals a woman’s purse in front of him. Immediately revealing to audiences he is a cop, he begrudgingly runs after the thief, fulfilling his duty, subsequently led into the tunnels of the subway below. While it is predictable as to where we will find him momentarily, it does not take away from the effect Spiral creates. In this opening sequence, audiences are brought back to the nostalgic gore of the past, but also brought face to face with the present.

And while nostalgia seeps back from the recesses of the mind, Spiral also gives a taste of its direction. As the cop (Dan Petronijevic, LetterKenny) is chasing the thief, he is overly hostile, clearly more than necessary. In an instant, the feeling of the film is framed, especially as the first torture device, and the reason for its use is revealed. It is incredible, and most certainly one of the most memorable,  opening scenes in the entire franchise.

Following the first “game”, Spiral interweaves a layer of predictability within its revenge and redemption aspects – one that will have varying effects on its audience. Early on you know who will be taken by this Jigsaw copycat, Billy the Puppet vacant from the videos, replaced by spirals and pig marionettes. If there is one thing for certain, it is not John Kramer pulling the strings. And this is what will keep audiences invested. Who is the new puppet master and what are their true intentions – the predictable inclusion of a twist in every induction forcing audiences to second guess themselves along the way.

“I want to play a game”

Immediately, there is the feeling of a Saw veteran behind the camera. The editing coincides with the previous films – fast, disjointed and frantic, heightening the tension, fear, and even horrific nature in its gore and application. It is only one element of nostalgia utilized to not only connect to the films before but also to satisfy the need for the past to be honored. Pig masks, “play me” cassettes (and USB drives!) and saws litter the series, never overwhelming the added value the new film brings.

Yet, while this was one of the better inductions, it did at times suffer from its pace. While many horror films drag out their run times, Spiral feels rushed and not completely fleshed out. I found myself wanting to know more about Detective Zeke Banks (Chris Rock) and the decisions that brought him to this point. He is a character with flaws, but forgivable ones. He is neither projected as a lost soul or a hero, but rather a man just trying to live his life the best that he can. He has values he will not compromise, but everyone has their breaking point. Rock brings credibility to his character, drawing you in and pulling out layers of empathy not common for Saw’s lead character. If this reboot turns into more films, Chris Rock needs to come back for more.

Spiral also finds a way to stay relevant, capturing a distrust and frustration with authorities who are meant to protect us. And with the events of 2020, the film hits harder than it might have if released any other year. The images of 2020 are still fresh in our minds, and the call for reform is still loud. Saw, while in the most extreme of artistic expression, finds a way to speak to the need for reform with police and authorities that has been promised but, in many cases, has not been enacted. It is violent and gory, but at its simplest essence, it is frustration.

Conclusion: Spiral: From the Book of Saw

As the original score returns, Spiral takes us back to the beginning as it builds to its climax, giving a nod to its most notorious and nostalgic moment of the entire series. While it is less gory, especially in the film’s conclusion, it leaves a twist and an ending that speaks to the possibility of more films to come. And I hope they do. This was an unexpected surprise, and I look forward to the next chapter.

Have you seen Spiral? What did you think? We want to know!

Spiral: From the Book of Saw is now available to rent!

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