As a fierce battle rages over Jigsaw's (Tobin Bell) terrible legacy, survivors seek support from a fellow survivor and self-help guru, who has a few dark secrets of his own. Meanwhile, crooked cop Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) seeks revenge against Jigsaw's wife and an author who has his own story.
As the infamous Saw franchise draws its curtain with Saw: The Final Chapter, it leaves behind a trail of carnage, twists, and gruesome morality lessons. The seventh instalment thrusts viewers back into the diabolical world of Jigsaw's traps, promises, and sadistic puzzles. While the series has always been known for its dark and twisted narrative, this final chapter takes the concept of tangled storytelling to new heights. As it attempts to weave together loose ends, introduce new twists, and unleash a torrent of gore, Saw: The Final Chapter presents itself as both a fitting farewell and a polarizing entry in the franchise.
Opening with an intriguing premise, the film centres on an author who has fabricated tales of surviving Jigsaw's torment. The narrative quickly takes a turn as acolyte Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) kidnaps the author and subjects him to a new series of tormenting trials. The film's structure is quintessential Saw, relying on its trademark flashbacks and nested storytelling to fill in gaps and resolve lingering mysteries. In its quest to provide answers and closure, Saw: The Final Chapter dredges up forgotten characters, expands the roster of Jigsaw victims, and unravels the grizzly fate of key figures.
Unsurprisingly, the film leans heavily into its reputation for gore and sadistic traps. The goriness takes centre stage, possibly making it the most gruesome entry in the franchise. The creators unapologetically indulge in their fetishistic delight in gore, unleashing an onslaught of disturbing visuals that both fascinate and repulse. However, the film's aesthetics leave something to be desired. The colour-grading renders characters practically jaundiced, and the use of bright pink in on-set gore effects feels discordant and jarring on the home video release.
The series finale, Saw: The Final Chapter grapples with the challenge of resolving the complex web of its narrative. Flashbacks within flashbacks and an abundance of twists keep viewers engaged, albeit sometimes struggling to keep up. The film introduces the concept of a Jigsaw support group and exploits the idea of a media-managed self-help guru exploiting Jigsaw's victims, which resonates in today's era of social media influencers. The story moves towards its twist-heavy finale, aiming to satisfy the franchise's followers with revelations that add depth and dimension to the overarching narrative.
The film begins by updating a memorable scene from the original Saw, with Dr. Gordon's (Cary Elwes) gruesome self-amputation. This intense opening sets the tone for the ensuing brutality, promising an experience that remains true to the series grim aesthetic. While Saw: The Final Chapter struggles with the task of maintaining momentum in a storyline that has already seen numerous twists and turns, it manages to infuse moments of tension and suspense.
As the film delves into the twisted mind of Jigsaw, it doesn't shy away from mockery. The concept of using death traps for self-improvement is presented in a manner that highlights the absurdity of such notions. Amid the grim proceedings, one particularly gruesome death takes a surprising turn when it's revealed to be a dream, offering an interesting change of pace from the usual solemnity of the franchise.
Saw: The Final Chapter offers a fitting farewell to a franchise that has made a name for itself through shock, gore, and intricate storytelling. With a mixture of tension, gratuitous gore, and unexpected twists, the film delivers an experience that satisfies fans while tying up loose ends. As the series reaches its conclusion, Saw: The Final Chapter stands as a polarizing entry that encapsulates the essence of a saga defined by its willingness to push boundaries, question morality, and confront the darkest corners of human nature.
Saw: The Final Chapter was released back in 2010, but Saw X is in NZ cinemas from September 28, 2023