Spiral

Detective Ezekiel 'Zeke' Banks and his rookie partner, William Schenk, investigate a gruesome murder that reminds them terrifyingly of the city's dark past. Unbeknownst to them, they are at the center of a sadistic mastermind's game, designed to put them through a terrifying trial of torture and murder. The killer, who has taken on the moniker of the "Jigsaw Killer", taunts the police department, forcing Zeke to confront his own fears and the legacy of his father, a legendary detective.

Spiral received generally negative reviews from critics, with many criticizing its predictable plot and reliance on gore, while some praised its attempts at modernization and the performances of its lead actors. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the continuation of the Saw franchise's tone and others finding it derivative.

• While attempting to inject new life into the Saw franchise, Spiral ultimately succumbs to tired tropes and an uninspired narrative.
• The film's new direction with a focus on police corruption and a more grounded detective story is praised by some, but the execution falls short.
• Chris Rock's involvement and performance are noted as a highlight, though not enough to elevate the film significantly.

Google audience: Google users generally found Spiral to be a decent, albeit unoriginal, entry into the horror genre. Many appreciated the shift in tone and the inclusion of familiar faces like Chris Rock, but a significant portion felt the plot was predictable and lacked the inventiveness of earlier Saw films. Some viewers enjoyed the gore and suspense, while others found it to be a forgettable addition to the franchise.

Chris Rock conceived the initial idea for the film and pitched it to Lionsgate, wanting to create a more grounded and serious horror film within the Saw universe.