A detective and his team must rescue 8 people trapped in a factory by the twisted serial killer known as Jigsaw.
The year 2005 marked the continuation of a horror phenomenon that had startled audiences just a year prior. Saw II, the follow-up to the original, brought a fresh perspective and a new layer of complexity to the grim world of Jigsaw's sadistic games. While the second instalment in the Saw franchise might not have achieved the same level of raw impact as its predecessor, it managed to deepen the series' mythology, deliver well-crafted traps, and captivate audiences with unexpected twists.
The sequel opens its doors to a new set of victims, eight strangers ensnared in a house of horrors. The stakes have been raised as Jigsaw unveils his sinister game: these individuals have been exposed to a slow-acting poison, pushing them to confront their own sins and unravel the mysteries of their captivity. Saw II shatters expectations by immediately revealing Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), dragging him out of the shadows and into a complex dance with Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg). The stage is set for a relentless psychological battle of wits, further delving into the twisted mind of the franchise's enigmatic antagonist.
While Saw II does benefit from a larger budget ($4 million compared to the original's $1.2 million), its success is not solely reliant on its financial resources. Director Darren Lynn Bousman injects the film with an energetic filmmaking style that keeps audiences engaged. The traps, thoughtfully nasty and rooted in relatable fears, compensate for budget limitations by tapping into the universal human instinct for self-preservation. Unlike the gratuitous violence that the term "torture porn" would later become synonymous with, Saw II crafts its brutality in a way that resonates with viewers on a visceral level, never veering into the realm of the absurd.
One of the sequel's commendable achievements is its ability to expand the mythos of the Saw universe without losing its focus. The film introduces the concept of the "gauntlet format," wherein a group of individuals must navigate a labyrinthine maze while adhering to Jigsaw's meticulous rules. Shawnee Smith reprises her role as Amanda, the rare survivor of a Jigsaw trap, and catalyzes a surprise moment that hints at the grand interconnectedness of the franchise's mythology.
The sequel opens its doors to a new set of victims, eight strangers ensnared in a house of horrors. The stakes have been raised as Jigsaw unveils his sinister game: these individuals have been exposed to a slow-acting poison, pushing them to confront their own sins and unravel the mysteries of their captivity. Saw II shatters expectations by immediately revealing Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), dragging him out of the shadows and into a complex dance with Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg). The stage is set for a relentless psychological battle of wits, further delving into the twisted mind of the franchise's enigmatic antagonist.
While Saw II does benefit from a larger budget ($4 million compared to the original's $1.2 million), its success is not solely reliant on its financial resources. Director Darren Lynn Bousman injects the film with an energetic filmmaking style that keeps audiences engaged. The traps, thoughtfully nasty and rooted in relatable fears, compensate for budget limitations by tapping into the universal human instinct for self-preservation. Unlike the gratuitous violence that the term "torture porn" would later become synonymous with, Saw II crafts its brutality in a way that resonates with viewers on a visceral level, never veering into the realm of the absurd.
One of the sequel's commendable achievements is its ability to expand the mythos of the Saw universe without losing its focus. The film introduces the concept of the "gauntlet format," wherein a group of individuals must navigate a labyrinthine maze while adhering to Jigsaw's meticulous rules. Shawnee Smith reprises her role as Amanda, the rare survivor of a Jigsaw trap, and catalyzes a surprise moment that hints at the grand interconnectedness of the franchise's mythology.
Saw II begins with storylines that might seem forgettable at first, but the film's progression takes an unexpected turn as twists emerge, injecting stakes, emotions, and much-needed character development. The intertwining narratives enhance each other's impact, adding layers of complexity to the unfolding horror. Unfortunately, while the main cast delivers strong performances, not all characters are equally well-served by the script. Some are relegated to mere plot advancement or gruesome deaths, highlighting the film's occasional focus on shock value.
Bousman's direction leans heavily on quick editing and slow-motion shots, a technique that aims to convey the characters' escalating insanity within the confined setting. While these stylistic choices manage to maintain interest, they sometimes verge on overuse, detracting from the potential impact. Moreover, the film's compulsion to overexplain its twists with repeated footage from earlier scenes occasionally feels unnecessary, despite its intention to ensure viewers grasp the complexity of the narrative.
A standout element of Saw II is its portrayal of Jigsaw, portrayed by Tobin Bell. Jigsaw's vulnerability, juxtaposed with his intellectual superiority, adds an intriguing layer to his character. Bell's performance paints a complex picture of a man who orchestrates life-and-death games with a twisted sense of morality. Jigsaw's evolution into an intricate character provides a unique angle to the film, imbuing it with philosophical undertones that elevate it beyond its horror roots.
Saw II might not achieve the same technical brilliance as its predecessor, yet it succeeds in delivering a fun, guilty pleasure watch. Its inventive twists and exploration of Jigsaw's psyche infuse the film with a fascinating layer of complexity. While the sequel leans heavily on certain stylistic choices and occasionally over-relies on shock tactics, its narrative depth and memorable moments ensure it remains a compelling entry in the Saw franchise.
Saw II might not achieve the same technical brilliance as its predecessor, yet it succeeds in delivering a fun, guilty pleasure watch. Its inventive twists and exploration of Jigsaw's psyche infuse the film with a fascinating layer of complexity. While the sequel leans heavily on certain stylistic choices and occasionally over-relies on shock tactics, its narrative depth and memorable moments ensure it remains a compelling entry in the Saw franchise.
With Tobin Bell's captivating performance and a narrative that continues to unravel the enigma of Jigsaw, Saw II deepens the mythos while promising an engaging and suspenseful continuation of the chilling series.
Saw II was released in 2005, but Saw X will be in NZ cinemas from September 28, 2023