It’s spooky season so we went to the cinema in search of demons, gore and the supernatural. Here’s our take on whether the latest big releases live up to the hype.
Saw X
Saw X is set three weeks after the horrifying original 2004 film. John Kramer (Tobin Bell) has just been diagnosed with cancer and is told about a Norwegian physician, working on a new experimental treatment. Kramer realises this is a scam to get money out of dying cancer patients so, he and Amanda (Shawnee Smith) set up eight traps – expect a big reveal. This Saw film really feels like the highly praised original trilogy due to the creative traps which made the earlier films so captivating. It’s heavy on gore but also has a slightly more complex storyline delving deeper into Kramer’s nature and why he becomes such as gruesome character. And is definitely worth seeing if you’ve missed seeing Tobin Bell on the big screen.
We think: if you’ve got a strong stomach, go see it.
Saw X is currently in the cinemas with a digital release on prime video.
The Exorcist: believer
This film is the highly anticipated sequel to the 1973 classic with Linda Blair (Regan MacNeil) and Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil) returning for a cameo. It follows twelve-year-old Angela (Lidya Jewett) and Katherine (Olivia O’Neill) as they attempt to contact Angela’s deceased mother. The girls go missing for three days and when they reappear they exhibit all the signs of possession. It’s been panned by some critics and while we thought the film had a slow start that made us wonder what direction it was going, it stayed true to the original without being an exact copy. It showed possession in a modern but still very creepy way. It also had a lot of nostalgic moments for fans with the return of the signature possessed voice and head turning effects.
We think: the twist at the end makes the film worth a watch.
You can currently only watch this in the cinema but we would recommend waiting for its digital release on Peacock or prime video at the end of the month.
Our most anticipated watch: Five nights at Freddy’s
The iconic indie horror game that has captivated gamers for years, has finally made its way to the big screen, and now sets a new standard for video game to film adaptations. This film adaptation itself is arguably a cinematic masterpiece, blending heart-pounding suspense, impeccable storytelling, and a genuine love for the nostalgic source material. Some viewers didn’t like that the film took lore from the books as well as the base games but for long term fans, this film was nothing less then a love letter to an iconic series. There are rumours of at least two more films in the works and we hope that they are just as good as this one.
We think: it’s a must watch for fans of any age.
You can currently watch this in the cinema with a digital release on Prime video.
Balsam Maki
James Woodham
Dharmi Dave