The legacy of the Jigsaw Killer continues as his successor Mark Hoffman follows his instructions while his wife carries out his final request.
In the twisted realm of Saw, where torture becomes a twisted form of moral education, Saw VI takes a daring turn by tapping into societal issues and spotlighting predatory lenders and amoral insurance companies. The sixth instalment of the franchise boldly brings its morality tale to the forefront, using its trademark gruesome traps and mind-bending puzzles to cast a spotlight on the injustices of the modern world. With an unabashedly political edge, Saw VI delves deep into the dark corners of the healthcare system, unleashing a scathing critique while never sacrificing the visceral horror that fans have come to expect.
While the Saw series has always been centred on moral dilemmas, Saw VI shifts its lens to point directly at the healthcare system. The film's main game centres on William (Peter Outerbridge), a high-ranking executive at an insurance company. The cruel twist lies in the fact that William was the one who denied medical coverage to John Kramer (Tobin Bell), the original Jigsaw, when he needed it most. In a world where Jigsaw's games are about making choices, William is forced to face the consequences of his own decisions as he navigates a series of death traps.
Saw VI doesn't hold back in delivering its gruesome, morality-driven message. William's journey through the death traps forces him to make life-and-death choices that mirror the ruthless decisions he made as a corporate executive. The film's tension escalates as the audience witnesses the visceral and agonizing results of William's choices, leaving them squirming in their seats. The traps are intricately designed to challenge not only William's physical endurance but also his moral compass.
Writers Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton shine in Saw VI, crafting a tightly woven script that stands out in comparison to the previous entries. The film strikes a balance between familiar elements that will delight devoted fans and a compelling narrative that remains accessible to newcomers. Flashbacks and series-long references enhance the experience for longtime fans without overwhelming the general pace of the film, making it an enjoyable horror fix for all.
One of the film's most striking achievements lies in its ability to link the franchise's horror with real-world issues. Saw VI weaves a chilling narrative that critiques the predatory practices of insurance companies and the struggles of the American healthcare system. By connecting these themes to John Kramer himself, the film adds layers of depth and irony to the storyline and traps. This unexpected layer of social commentary adds a thought-provoking dimension to the horror, making Saw VI more than just a gore fest.
Directed by Kevin Greutert, Saw VI balances its intense horror with moments of tension and suspense. The film introduces Costas Mandylor's portrayal of Mark Hoffman as a villain with stakes, finally giving depth to a character set up as Jigsaw's successor. While the games in Saw VI may not be the most innovative, they remain grounded in a disturbing reality that makes them all the more horrifying.
Saw VI emerges as a bold instalment that skillfully marries its trademark horror with a potent dose of societal critique. By focusing on the predatory nature of insurance companies and healthcare injustices, the film transforms its moral education into a deeply political statement. It juggles a tight script, a scathing narrative, and horror that ranges from visceral to thought-provoking. While not without its flaws and moments that diverge from the franchise's ethical principles, Saw VI successfully delivers a horror experience that is both chilling and reflective, leaving a lingering impact long after the credits roll.
Saw VI was released back in 2009, but Saw X is in NZ cinemas on September 28, 2023