By Sarah Wharton

This review contains spoilers.

I have to admit to having been concerned about Saw V. The sequels so far have been directed by Darren Lynn Bousman with original creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell taking executive producer roles. Bousman has done a fantastic job with Saw II (2005), III (2006) and IV (2007), making three films so complex that it is hard to define them as mere derivative horror sequels. Saw V, however has been helmed by David Hackl making his directing debut (Wan and Whannell keep their executive producer roles). My concerns as to Hackl’s ability to follow in Bousman’s footsteps were somewhat allayed by my discovery that he had worked as production designer on Saw II–IV and second-unit director on Saw III and IV however, I was still worried that he would not bring to V what Bousman had managed with the previous entries.

These fears, it turns out, were entirely unfounded.

Saw IV ended with everyone dead except for Special Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson) and Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor). It was revealed that Hoffman was the second apprentice to John (Tobin Bell) – better known as Jigsaw – and that he had been helping orchestrate everything. Saw V opens with Hoffman being hailed a hero while Strahm is the only person who suspects he may be the next Jigsaw. Meanwhile, five seemingly unrelated people have to work their way through a series of traps as they learn the true meaning of teamwork.

Hackl tones everything down for Saw V but in a good way. There is less blood than in previous installments and the film focuses more heavily on the thriller aspects as well as tying up several loose ends. This might not give the hardcore gore fan exactly what they want but for all those who have appreciated the series’ intricate plots and character development Saw V is extremely pleasing. Like previous instalments, V plays fast and loose with timelines so one needs to pay attention – but scary movies don’t always have to be big and dumb and Saw is the most grown up horror franchise to crop up in years.

Hackl, perhaps as a result of his time as production designer, knows what works best in terms of Saw V‘s various traps. While III and IV used several huge traps that occasionally broke the boundaries of belief, Hackl takes V back to the smaller, cringe-making traps of the earlier films – with exception of the two elaborate traps that frame the film, of course. Think back to the needle pit of Saw II or the razor wire of Saw and how they made you squeamish with the simple but intense pain they depicted and you’ve got the idea behind the traps in V. Having to see someone slice their arm in half in minute detail helps develop nausea in a way that someone having their head crushed between two blocks of ice just can’t.

My only complaint about Saw V is a complaint I’ve had with all of the films in the series. The editing and camerawork are just too slick and glossy, somewhat undermining the visceral nature of the film. However, when my only complaint is that something’s too good then you know that it can’t be all that bad.

Overall, if you didn’t enjoy Saw or its sequels then chances are you won’t like V. Likewise, if you haven’t seen the previous four films, don’t watch V first as it’ll make very little sense. If you’re a fan, however, of the world of Jigsaw then you’ll be impressed.

With Saw VI announced, one probably realises that V leaves just as many questions as it does answers but I can vouchsafe that Hoffman is a worthy successor to John/Jigsaw and I look forward to his next outing.

Rating: 7.0