May be the best independent horror film to have come out since "The Blair Witch Project." It's certainly better than "Blair Witch", and more fun, more gruesome, and more macabre. In a very delightful way.
80
EmpireKim Newman
EmpireKim Newman
As good an all-out, non-camp horror movie as we’ve had lately.
75
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
Saw is for hard-gore horror aficionados only.
70
The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck
The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck
Boasts an undeniably original premise and clever plot machinations that lift it several notches above the usual slasher film level.
67
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Saw is a gristle-cut B psycho thriller that would like to tap the sickest corners of your imagination. It has a few moments of nightmare creepiness, but it's also derivative and messy and too nonsensical for its own good.
60
Dallas ObserverLuke Y. Thompson
Dallas ObserverLuke Y. Thompson
It's brutal horror, where anyone can die at any time, and gorehounds will love it. Average folks may find it too intense.
With its toilet-bobbing and blood spurting and Elwes's fey, Vincent Price–like mugging, Saw succeeds in capturing something like Takashi Miike by way of William Castle. Happy Halloween, indeed.
40
L.A. Weekly
L.A. Weekly
A story that's so ridiculous you'll at least be entertained by the outrageous plot contortions to come.
30
The A.V. ClubScott Tobias
The A.V. ClubScott Tobias
Though dumber than a box of rocks, Saw forges ahead with the kind of conviction and energy that will keep bad-cinema junkies sitting bolt upright.