The SAW franchise, which kicked off with the success of the 2004 film, has had a significant impact not just on the horror genre but also on the broader film industry. The franchise already has ten films, including the recent SAW X. This kind of lasting success is unusual in horror genre, where many franchises tend to fade away after a few installments. Therefore, the consistent release of new films has kept the franchise relevant over time. Right from the start, the movies have been big hits, collectively earning hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide.
Moreover, the franchise has expanded its world through intricate storytelling, revealing connections between characters and events in different films. This storytelling approach has encouraged fans to analyze the series, sparking discussions and theories about the overall storyline. To highlight the cultural impact of these movies, Jigsaw and his distinctive puppet, Billy the Puppet, along with the famous catchphrase, “I want to play a game,” have become enduring and iconic figures in the horror genre and widely recognized in popular culture.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is set between the events of SAW I and II. John, sick and desperate, travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer –only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.
Riva from LOS40 and De Película interviewed Kevin Greutert, the movie director, and Anthony R. Stabley, the production designer. During the interview, they discussed the film and explained why Mexico was chosen as the best location for it.
There’s such a mythology, the city is so amazing, and we can’t speak enough about it… It is the first time that, I’m sure you all know, but it’s the first time we’ve ever said where we are in a movie. And we kind of really leaned into that.”
The movie SAW from 2004 was directed by James Wan and written by Wan and Leigh Whannell. It’s interesting to note that this film started as a low-budget independent horror project. Its budget was around $1.2 million, which is exceptionally low for a full-length feature film. Despite the limited resources, the film’s clever script and skillful use of suspense contributed to its success. It actually made over $100 million worldwide, to be precise, according to The Numbers, it reached $103,880,027.
SAW, in particular, delved into moral and ethical dilemmas. The traps set by the character Jigsaw targeted people he believed had squandered their lives, sparking discussions about punishment, the value of life, and the choices people make. As we know, the first film’s success led to the creation of a long-running movie series. Undoubtedly, making the franchise a significant part of modern horror cinema.