Jigsaw Movie Review

Jigsaw is a 2017 horror film directed by Michael and Peter Spierig. It is the eighth installment in the Saw franchise, which began in 2004.

The film follows a group of strangers who are kidnapped and forced to participate in a series of deadly games, all orchestrated by the infamous Jigsaw killer.

As a movie critic, it is my duty to analyze this latest addition to the Saw franchise and determine whether it lives up to its predecessors.

Jigsaw has been highly anticipated by fans of the series, as well as horror enthusiasts in general. However, with several years having passed since the last Saw film was released, there may be questions about whether this latest installment can still captivate audiences and deliver on its promise of gruesome thrills.

In this review, I will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Jigsaw, examining both its narrative structure and technical elements to provide an informed critique of this much-hyped horror flick.

Plot And Narrative Analysis

Jigsaw, the eighth installment in the Saw franchise, opens with a group of people who are trapped in a barn and forced to participate in one of Jigsaw’s twisted games.

As the movie progresses, we learn that these individuals have all been connected to previous Jigsaw murders in some way.

The story is told through two different timelines; one following the present-day investigation into the new string of murders, and the other taking us back ten years to show us how John Kramer (the original Jigsaw) became the killer he was.

The film’s plot is riddled with twist endings and surprises that keep viewers on their toes.

The timeline structure can be a bit confusing at times, as it jumps back and forth between past and present frequently.

However, this method ultimately adds to the suspenseful nature of the film as pieces of information slowly come together throughout.

The narrative is well-executed, with enough hints dropped along the way to make sense of everything by the end without feeling too predictable or contrived.

Overall, Jigsaw does not disappoint when it comes to delivering an engaging storyline full of unexpected turns.

Character Development And Acting Performances

Having established a convoluted and engaging plot, Jigsaw also manages to have some interesting character arcs that add depth to the story. The film does an excellent job of fleshing out its characters and giving them their own motivations for being involved in the game.

Detective Halloran is a particularly interesting character whose backstory and involvement in the game are slowly revealed throughout the movie. Moreover, Anna is another standout character who has a compelling arc that ties into the overall theme of redemption.

One of the strengths of Jigsaw is its casting choices. The actors all give believable performances that make you invested in their characters’ fates. Tobin Bell’s return as John Kramer adds an extra layer of nostalgia for fans of the franchise, but his presence never feels forced. Additionally, Matt Passmore gives a solid performance as Logan Nelson, a new character who plays a crucial role in the film’s narrative.

Overall, Jigsaw boasts an impressive cast that elevates the already well-written script.

In conclusion, Jigsaw not only delivers on its suspenseful plot but also offers well-crafted character arcs and exceptional casting choices that make it one of the better installments in this horror franchise. From Tobin Bell’s iconic portrayal to new additions like Matt Passmore, every member of this talented ensemble contributes to making this film stand out from others in its genre.

Jigsaw is a must-watch for fans of the Saw franchise and horror enthusiasts alike.

Cinematography And Visual Effects

The use of lighting techniques in Jigsaw is commendable. The film is set mostly in dark and cramped spaces, making it challenging to capture the details of each scene. However, the cinematographer managed to use different lighting methods to highlight the important elements of every shot.

The dimly lit rooms added to the overall atmosphere of the movie, making it more suspenseful and thrilling. Moreover, the CGI usage in Jigsaw was also impressive. The film heavily relied on computer-generated imagery to portray some of its most gruesome scenes.

Although some parts were obviously animated, the quality of the graphics was still convincing enough to evoke a sense of horror in viewers. In particular, the traps that were designed by Jigsaw himself were both inventive and terrifying due to their realistic appearance.

Overall, the combination of clever lighting techniques and excellent CGI usage created an engaging visual experience for audiences who are fans of this genre.

Soundtrack And Score

The musical choices in ‘Jigsaw’ were effective in setting the tone for the film. The score, composed by Charlie Clouser, was a mix of eerie and suspenseful sounds that added to the overall tension of the movie. The use of electronic music in particular helped to create a futuristic, almost science-fiction-like atmosphere.

Additionally, there were certain melodies that were repeated throughout the film, creating a sense of familiarity and continuity.

The soundtrack also played an important role in setting the tone for various scenes. In one scene where characters are being chased, fast-paced and intense music was used to heighten the anxiety and adrenaline of the audience. In contrast, during quieter moments, more subdued music was used to create a sense of unease and anticipation.

Overall, both the score and soundtrack worked together seamlessly to enhance the viewing experience.

The choice of specific songs adds emotional depth to certain scenes, such as using a melancholic ballad during a sad moment.

Overall Impressions And Recommendation

Jigsaw is a film that explores various themes such as justice, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the movie manages to keep its audience engaged until the very end.

The story follows a group of strangers who are forced to play Jigsaw’s twisted game in order to survive. As they get deeper into the game, they start to realize that their past actions have consequences, and Jigsaw is merely an instrument of justice.

The movie has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised it for its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists, while others criticized it for being too predictable and lacking in originality.

Nevertheless, Jigsaw remains an entertaining thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you’re a fan of the Saw franchise or just enjoy a good mystery-thriller, then Jigsaw is definitely worth checking out.

Conclusion

Jigsaw, the eighth installment in the Saw franchise, follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a game of deadly traps set up by the infamous Jigsaw killer.

The plot twists and turns as the characters attempt to unravel the mystery behind their captivity and escape before time runs out.

Despite its predictable formula and recycled plot elements, Jigsaw manages to keep audiences engaged with its tense atmosphere and impressive visual effects.

The acting performances are also notable, particularly from series newcomer Matt Passmore as lead character Logan Nelson.

However, the film falls short in its lack of meaningful character development and relies too heavily on cheap jump scares.

Additionally, some plot points feel forced and convoluted, making it difficult to fully invest in the story.

Overall, Jigsaw is a serviceable addition to the Saw franchise but ultimately fails to bring anything new or innovative to the table.

Fans of the series may enjoy it for its familiar tropes and gore-filled traps, but casual viewers may find it underwhelming.