During the 2000s, horror movies underwent a transformation. In the ’80s, slasher films were popular, and meta horror took over after Wes Craven’s “Scream” reshaped the genre in the ’90s. As horror cinema found its footing in the early 21st century, a new style of filmmaking characterized by graphic violence, rawness, and brutality emerged. This trend was later known as “torture porn,” and James Wan’s “Saw” is one of the pioneers of this subgenre. However, the film received mixed reviews from critics, with Rotten Tomatoes rating it as not fresh.
Surprisingly, Wan’s initial blockbuster has a mediocre Rotten Tomatoes rating of 50%. However, this low score doesn’t necessarily reflect the film’s quality or longevity – it’s much more than that. You see, when this movie was released in 2004, the Internet wasn’t as developed as it is today, and film criticism was less widespread with fewer voices contributing to the discussion. At that time, many critics seemed to have a bias against horror movies, almost seeming to search for flaws in genre films.
Saw Is A Trailblazer That’s Better Than Its Critical Consensus
People who failed to give the movie a fair evaluation likely missed an impressively raw and budget-conscious production, built upon a strikingly authentic foundation. This minimalist production takes viewers along with Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) and Adam Stanheight (Leigh Whannell), as they find themselves shackled in a dismal bathroom, having been kidnapped by the tormenting Jigsaw Killer (Tobin Bell). As the story unfolds, the pair discovers that they are subjected to a series of gruesome tests set by this malevolent character, with the prospect of freedom hanging in the balance… but at a steep price.
The movie keeps audiences engaged, packing in numerous surprises and maintaining a steady pace of excitement. The ending, in particular, leaves a lasting impression due to its unexpectedness and impact. Moreover, the film merits recognition for delving into profound topics such as our general contentment with life and how easily we can overlook the precious nature of existence. This underlying depth gives the Jigsaw Killer an edge as a villain who articulates important ideas.
Although some viewers might find the film’s intense violence off-putting, it’s important to note that the graphic portrayals of gore are not as excessive as they are often made out to be. While “Saw” played a significant role in popularizing the torture porn genre, it’s not accurate to label it as equally gruesome as its successors. The numerous sequels and similar films that emerged afterward have earned their reputation for graphic content. However, “Saw” maintains a more nuanced approach to violence, balancing its horrifying themes with restraint in the depiction of gore, contrary to some popular beliefs.
If you’ve steered clear of this groundbreaking venture due to the broader franchise’s reputation, you might want to reconsider diving into the original series installment. Beyond its significant impact on pop culture, the Saw franchise offers a mind-bending twist and deep insights into human nature. It’s important to note that it does contain graphic scenes, but the director cleverly leads us to believe we’re seeing more than we actually are.
The movie “Saw” received harsh criticism when it debuted in 2004, leading to a mediocre rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, over time, it has proven its staying power and is now considered one of the defining horror films from the 2000s. It’s also recognized as one of the most impactful horror movies of the millennium.
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2025-08-04 19:22