I saw 10: already a record for this horror film!

What is it about? Jigsaw Killer John Kramer returns in the most disturbing installment of the SAW franchise. Set between SAW I and II, we find a sick and desperate John going to Mexico to undergo an experimental operation that could cure his cancer, only to discover that it’s all a scam aimed at vulnerable and needy patients.

Driven by a new purpose, the notorious serial killer returns to his work and exacts revenge on these crooks in a terrifying “game” that he has a secret, with traps that are always more Machiavellian and cunning than the others.

Saw X’s record duration!

At 1h58, Saw X is the longest opus in the saga. Thus, the saw lasts 1h.43, saw 2 1h.33, saw 3 1h.48, saw 4 1h.33, saw 5 1h.32, saw 6h. 30 hours, Saw 3D 1 hour.

A profitable horror saga

Born in 2004, the Saw horror franchise has proven to be very profitable. As evidence, Saw (2004) brought in $103 million worldwide for a budget of barely $1.2 million. Saw 2 (2005) grossed 148 million for a production cost of 4 million, Saw 3 (2006) 165 million for 12 million, Saw 4 (2007) 139 million for 10 million, Saw 5 (2008) 114 million for 11 million, Saw 6 (2009) 68 million 11 million, Saw 3D (2010) 138 million to 17 million, Jigsaw (2017) 102 million to 10 million and Spiral: The Legacy of Saw (2021) 40 million to 20 million. Released in many countries at the end of September, Saw X has already collected $80 million at the worldwide box office.

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In total, the saga has earned more than a billion dollars. However, it’s not the horror franchise that has earned the most greenbacks, as the series of films related to the Conjuring universe have crossed two billion dollars. On the other hand, 10 Saw grossed more than 6 Scream, 5 Insidious, 13 Halloween, 6 Paranormal Activity (the 7th film, Next of Kin, airs on Paramount+) and 4 Jaws.

Who is responsible?

Kevin Greatert has been tapped to direct this new opus, set between Saw and Saw II. He knows the Saw franchise well, having directed Saw 6 and Saw 3D. In addition, he has shot other horror films: Jessabelle, Visions and Jackals. When asked by Total Film, he explained about Saw X. “I really think this is the most independent Saw movie since the first one.”

“You don’t need to know or remember the previous installments. The experience is richer if you know Saw, because otherwise you won’t know who Amanda is when she shows up, but what’s going on is clear from the beginning. There’s no obvious new direction. Let’s take it from there. But I think there will be more Saw movies, especially if this one is successful.”

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Go to Mexico

Most of the filming took place in and around Mexico City, including a large farm and an abandoned glass factory that had been converted into a chemical plant. “The naturalness of those two places and our other locations couldn’t be replicated in Los Angeles or Toronto, where we’ve produced other saws.”, the director specifies. He adds: “We were shooting in different environments around Mexico City. It was very cold, but nothing weird happened. It was good because we were able to finish everything on time.”

Production designer Anthony R. Stable continues: “Of course, shooting in Mexico put us in a completely different situation. This film is heavily influenced by Mexican culture. Not to mention the incredible locations we were able to shoot in. It is not at all easy to find new tortures or new traps. Mexico City is the perfect city where we were able to do some incredible trappings and torture with Kevin. It’s a slow and difficult process where we first sketch to get an idea before moving on to full-scale testing by building these traps.”

The police are coming to the editing room!

Los Angeles police arrived at the home of first assistant editor Steve Forney while he was working on one of the film’s sequences, alarmed by neighbors hearing disturbing noises. “There was a knock on the door”– says Kevin Greutert. It follows: “We see the police going up to the entrance thanks to the camera footage, Steve Forney is answering them and they’re saying, ‘Neighbors called us and told us someone was being tortured to death in here.’

“Steve told them, “I’m actually just working on a movie…can you come in and see if you want?” The policemen started laughing. They said we want it, but everything is fine. It must have been quite a realistic performance. But it’s a pretty funny story…”