The Jigsaw Murders
The Jigsaw Murders

Movie spotlight

The Jigsaw Murders

1989
Movie
98 min
English

A jigsaw puzzle is the key in a detective's investigation of a gruesome murder.

Insights

IMDb4.2/10
Director: James M. SidarisGenres: Action, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A psychotic killer, known as the 'Jigsaw Killer', is systematically murdering people and leaving behind jigsaw puzzle pieces at the crime scenes. Detective Dave Miller, a troubled cop haunted by a past case, is assigned to the investigation. As the body count rises, Miller must race against time to unmask the killer before they strike again, facing personal demons and bureaucratic obstacles along the way.

Critical Reception

The Jigsaw Murders was a low-budget direct-to-video thriller that received largely negative reviews from critics. While some acknowledged its attempt at a gritty crime narrative, most found the plot predictable, the acting wooden, and the violence gratuitous and poorly executed. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many viewers criticizing its pacing and lack of originality.

What Reviewers Say

  • Despite a potentially interesting premise, the film suffers from poor execution and uninspired acting.

  • The low-budget nature is evident, leading to unconvincing action sequences and a general lack of polish.

  • A forgettable thriller that fails to deliver suspense or genuine scares.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but the few available suggest a generally negative reception, with viewers finding the film unoriginal, poorly acted, and lacking in suspense.

Fun Fact

Director James M. Sidaris was known for his prolific output of low-budget action and exploitation films, often starring his then-wife, Petra. The Jigsaw Murders is considered one of his more forgettable entries.

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