The tenth installment of any franchise, especially in the horror genre, is a momentous occasion. It all began in 2004 with “Saw,” a mind-bending thriller that introduced us to the ingenious trap engineer, John “Jigsaw” Kramer. Quickly, this laid the foundation for a long-lasting horror series where the traps became more grotesque, and the timeline grew increasingly convoluted after the departure of Jigsaw and his favorite apprentice, Amanda Young (played by Shawnee Smith). Both of them are back in “Saw X,” a significant sequel that pays homage to the franchise’s origins in a deeply satisfying way.

“Saw X,” set between the events of “Saw” and “Saw II,” reintroduces us to John Kramer as he grapples with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Faced with mere months to live, Kramer finds hope through his fellow cancer support group member, Henry (played by Michael Beach), whose unconventional life-saving procedure leads him to the enigmatic Dr. Cecilia Pederson (played by Synnøve Macody Lund). Dr. Pederson offers a glimmer of hope and a coveted spot in her experimental medical program, but it comes with a steep price tag and a journey to Mexico City. Desperate to survive, Kramer is willing to pay any cost.

However, when he realizes that something is deeply amiss with Dr. Pederson’s program, Jigsaw’s fury knows no bounds.

Director and editor Kevin Greutert, a long-time collaborator with the “Saw” franchise, demonstrates his intimate understanding of the series. Working from a screenplay by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, Greutert takes the time to establish the story’s foundation, reestablishes Kramer’s ethical code, and introduces the new group of unwitting participants. While this results in a slower buildup to the trademark traps compared to recent entries, it lays the necessary groundwork for the emotional stakes that culminate in a gratifying payoff later on.

At first glance, the traps may seem straightforward, but their simplicity allows the gore to shine in exhilarating and jaw-dropping ways. The carnage flows freely, masterfully executed by Fractured FX, and is enhanced by an impressive cast of newcomers who fearlessly embrace the harrowing challenges. While “Saw X” returns to its roots, this new group of survivors possesses a palpable determination to live, injecting a refreshing new perspective. Dr. Pederson’s cunning intelligence also adds an unexpected twist to Kramer’s predicament.

Greutert, Goldfinger, and Stolberg approach this tenth entry with a deep respect for the franchise’s history, making it accessible to newcomers. Placing it early in the timeline allows fan favorites to return, with Bell and Smith seamlessly reprising their roles. Bell brings his trademark gallows humor, reminding audiences why Jigsaw and his penchant for traps became instant horror icons in the first place. His engineering skills and unwavering moral code make him a formidable adversary, yet Bell infuses his character with a tender warmth. Smith’s portrayal of Amanda remains consistent with her introduction in “Saw II,” portraying a vulnerable former addict deeply loyal to Kramer and his mission.

The nods to the franchise’s past don’t stop there; be sure to stay for a mid-credits scene. However, the script ensures that prior knowledge is not necessary for enjoying the film.

The meticulously crafted “Saw X” builds to such a thrilling climax that when the iconic “Hello Zepp” theme kicks in, the urge to cheer and shout becomes irresistible. The traps are brutal and unrestrained, guaranteeing plenty of cringing at the screen. Yet, they carry an emotional weight that impacts both the characters and the narrative. The only minor misstep is a loose ending for one character, seemingly designed to set up a potential continuation of the plot. If that means more of Kramer and Amanda in the future, it’s a small price to pay.

“Saw X” delivers a franchise high, a remarkable achievement for a series with ten installments. It exhibits a comfortable awareness and humor in a sequel that utilizes its streamlined simplicity to showcase the characters and the gore. Whether you’re a newcomer to the franchise or a devoted fan, “Saw X” is an easy recommendation for this Halloween season. Welcome back, Jigsaw.

“Saw X” hits theaters on September 29th.