When it was first rumored that the long-expired SAW franchise would be returning for an eighth film, I’m not sure anyone was overly excited. But as we grew closer over the months, and the plot synopsis and poster were revealed, I couldn’t help but wonder if Lionsgate could do the unthinkable. Could they really breathe new life into its most exhausted franchise eight films later? If you had asked me yesterday, I’d be inclined to say “no”. But today? Today… things have changed.

The first official trailer has hit the internet this morning, and it seems to reside in the sweet spot of what made the SAW movies so entertaining to begin with. Relatively “plausible”, small-scale traps and a manhunt for a psychopath. I’m not sure SAW can ever return to its roots, but JIGSAW might be as close as we ever get. Producer Peter Spierig has gone on record to say:

“We’ve got some pretty wild traps in the film. We don’t shy away from the gore. It’s such a perfect Halloween scarefest. It’s perhaps not quite as vicious and more fun.”

Less viscous and more fun? That’s certainly the vibe that the trailer exudes, and I’m surprisingly okay with that. Thoughts?

JIGSAW hits theaters on October 27th. Hold onto you asses, and check out the official trailer below:

Pot Synopsis
Bodies are turning up around the city, each having met a uniquely gruesome demise. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to one man: John Kramer. But how can this be? The man known as Jigsaw has been dead for over a decade.