Saw IV (2007) - If you think it's over, better think again! - 9/10 (25/01/19)

What could be the point of continuing the series after Jigsaw's spectacular death at the end of the third installment? Many people were skeptical but Saw IV turned out being an unexpected success underlining the franchise's longevity.

This movie convinces with the development of characters formerly perceived as side characters that now become lead charcaters that would not only turn out being important in this particular film but in the entire franchise in general. The two most fascinating characters in this particular film are Officer Daniel Rigg who has become obsessed with stopping Jigsaw's deadly games and Detective Mark Hoffman who is quite the opposite with his rational, factual and cold approach. These two characters complement each other perfectly but also clash quite intriguingly. John Kramer's ex-wife Jill Tuck also has an increasingly important role in this film as she portrays a mysterious woman whose intentions aren't always clear.

The viewers are offered a surprisingly creative plot that cleverly connects with elements from previous installments. This film offers so many clues, details and flashbacks that you have to watch it very carefully and patiently to understand all of its diversified aspects. The movie's conclusion manages once more to come as a complete surprise. The screenwriting of this particular installment might even be the best of the entire franchise.

The film also surprises with an excellent soundtrack that only intensifies its grisly, mysterious and sinister atmosphere. In combination with the precise camera work, the soundtrack accentuates this installment's underlying film noir elements as the viewers follow a gloomy police investigation. The emotional title track was performed by Japanese visual kei veterans X Japan that released their first new single in ten years for this occasion.

Saw IV isn't the greatest film of an excellent franchise but most certainly the most astonishing surprise. All questions seemed to be answered at the end of the intense predecessor but this movie takes the viewers by surprise and can basically be seen as the start of the second season of the franchise that focuses on the events after the serial killer's demise. This movie convinces with an unexpectedly clever plot, profound characters and a strong soundtrack. If you had thought the franchise was finished, better think again and give this outstanding film a chance to blow your mind.