Despite Jigsaw's death, and in order to save the lives of two of his colleagues, Lieutenant Rigg is forced to take part in a new game, which promises to test him to the limit.
As the infamous Saw franchise continued to carve its bloody mark on the horror landscape, the arrival of Saw IV in 2007 marked both a continuation and a departure from its predecessors. While the film retained its signature traps and gore, it faced the daunting challenge of maintaining the series' momentum after the demise of its central antagonist, Jigsaw. As the franchise expanded and evolved, Saw IV struggled to find its footing, navigating a web of plot threads, character arcs, and the relentless pursuit of graphic violence.
Tobin Bell's absence as the firm dramatic anchor is acutely felt in Saw IV. The character-based storytelling that the franchise had thrived on thus far suffered a blow with scant voiceovers and crummy flashbacks in comparison to the previous films. Bell's portrayal of Jigsaw had provided a compelling core for the narrative, and without him, the film had to find new ways to maintain its sinister charm.
Saw IV begins by answering the burning question that haunted fans: Is Jigsaw truly dead? The film does not hesitate to confirm his demise with a graphic autopsy scene that firmly places Jigsaw in the realm of the deceased. Yet, even in death, his legacy persists. A tape discovered within his stomach promises the continuation of his work from beyond the grave. The film deftly infuses intrigue into the narrative, tantalizing viewers with the prospect of Jigsaw's posthumous influence.
While the Saw franchise had often succeeded in marrying gore with wit, symbolism, and philosophical pondering, Saw IV veered more towards gratuitous violence than profound meaning. The traps lose some of the sharp intellect and moral dilemma that characterized earlier entries, focusing more on graphic brutality. This shift in focus raises questions about whether the film is aiming to shock its audience purely for shock's sake.
As the series progressed, Saw IV tackled the challenge of continuing without its central antagonist. The film defies convention by surviving the death of its killer—a feat not common in the horror genre. This departure from the norm allowed the film to explore new territory while risking the loss of the franchise's defining edge.
One of the franchise's strengths lay in its willingness to expand its characters' stories and delve into their twisted pasts. Saw IV takes a closer look at Jigsaw's history and the path that led him to his sadistic persona. While the "torture storyline" remains a core aspect, the film falters in maintaining the morality play that had defined earlier instalments. Instead, a complex web of interconnected narratives and flashbacks threatens to overwhelm the viewer, leaving some plot threads underdeveloped and muddling the overall experience.
As the fourth entry in a successful franchise, Saw IV grapples with the challenge of retaining its uniqueness while pushing the boundaries. The film attempts to incorporate several plot threads, resulting in a complex narrative that sometimes overshadows the gory spectacle fans were accustomed to. The emphasis on underdeveloped characters and shifting locations in the city—motels, warehouses, and homes—fails to fully recapture the franchise's original appeal.
Despite its narrative complexities, Saw IV offers a twist ending that adds layers of intrigue to the franchise's evolving mythos. While the film may lack the intellectual depth of its predecessors, it still grapples with themes of vengeance, redemption, and the human need to save others. The intricate philosophy that once defined the franchise peeks through in fleeting moments, adding a glimmer of the series' former glory.
Saw IV finds itself at a crossroads between the visceral horror that built the franchise and an attempt to explore deeper themes and characters. Despite its struggles to maintain the franchise's unique identity and maintain suspense after Jigsaw's demise, the film still offers moments of visceral shock and exploration of twisted minds.
As the series navigates a shifting landscape, Saw IV reminds us that even the most gruesome horrors can raise questions about morality, vengeance, and the darkness that resides within us all.
Saw IV was released back in 2007, but Saw X is in NZ cinemas from September 28, 2023