Spiral

A shadowy figure begins a twisted series of gruesome murders that bear a sinister resemblance to the infamous Jigsaw killer's methods. Detective Zeke Banks and his rookie partner William Schenk are tasked with investigating the horrific events, uncovering a deep-seated corruption within the police department. As the killings escalate, Zeke finds himself caught in a terrifying game orchestrated by the killer, forcing him to confront his own past and the moral compromises he's made.

Spiral received largely negative reviews from critics, who often cited its reliance on predictable horror tropes and a convoluted plot. While some appreciated the attempt to modernize the Saw franchise with a more police procedural angle and a comedic lead, many found the script uninspired and the gore gratuitous. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some enjoying the return to a familiar killer's style and others feeling it failed to live up to the franchise's legacy.

• Relies too heavily on the Saw formula without offering fresh scares or narrative innovation.
• Despite a promising cast and a new direction, the film ultimately feels like a rehash with a weak story.
• The attempt to blend police procedural elements with slasher horror is uneven and largely unsuccessful.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a disappointing entry in the Saw series, with many expressing that it lacked the ingenuity and suspense of earlier installments. Some viewers appreciated the presence of Chris Rock and the shift in tone but felt the plot was predictable and the scares unoriginal. A significant portion of reviewers felt it was a forgettable horror movie that didn't bring anything new to the genre.

Chris Rock pitched the idea for the film to Lionsgate, wanting to create a more grounded and relevant take on the Saw franchise, and was instrumental in shaping the story and tone.