Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021) is a gritty, suspenseful addition to the Saw franchise that aims to reimagine the horror series with a detective-thriller twist. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, a veteran of previous Saw films, Spiral follows Detective Zeke Banks (Chris Rock), who is drawn into a series of brutal murders reminiscent of the notorious Jigsaw Killer’s twisted games. Set in a corrupt police department, the movie combines elements of horror and crime drama, offering fresh perspectives on the franchise’s iconic themes of justice, punishment, and morality.

Detective Zeke Banks is an outspoken cop working in the shadow of his father, retired police chief Marcus Banks (Samuel L. Jackson). Zeke’s position as a whistleblower in his department has made him an outcast among his colleagues, creating tension and suspicion when a new killer begins targeting corrupt officers. This new villain, while echoing Jigsaw’s philosophy, operates with a distinctive style, presenting puzzles and traps aimed at exposing the department’s systemic corruption. The traps, as per Saw tradition, are brutal and cleverly designed, placing victims in situations that force them to confront their actions in life-or-death scenarios.

Chris Rock’s portrayal of Zeke is intense, infusing the character with frustration, wit, and a sense of weariness that reflects his complex relationship with both his family legacy and the justice system. His unconventional casting in a horror film, known more for its shocking gore than its dark humor, adds an interesting layer. Rock’s performance allows the movie to explore new dynamics within the genre, blending grim moments with his character’s sarcasm and cynicism.

The film’s stylistic choices are heavily influenced by noir elements, and Bousman’s direction keeps the tension high with moody lighting, tight shots, and a constantly shifting sense of danger. The traps in Spiral are inventive and disturbing, yet they fit within the film’s broader social commentary about police corruption and accountability, showing a more targeted, purpose-driven approach to the killer’s methods. This adds a layer of thematic depth, pushing beyond mere gore to explore how justice can become twisted in the wrong hands.

The narrative keeps audiences on edge, with a plot that introduces plenty of twists and red herrings. While it follows the familiar formula of police procedural and horror, Spiral reinvigorates the Saw series by bringing a more story-driven approach. The atmosphere of dread and unpredictability pervades, leading to a suspenseful climax that reflects the franchise’s signature blend of horror and moral dilemmas.

Despite these strengths, Spiral received mixed reviews, with some fans of the original Saw series feeling that it strayed too far from the franchise’s roots in favor of a police thriller vibe. However, for those looking for a fresh take on the Saw universe, it offers an engaging spin that both honors the spirit of the original and broadens its thematic scope.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw ultimately succeeds as a tense, chilling thriller that respects its horror roots while addressing relevant issues of justice and corruption. It’s a solid entry in the franchise that introduces a new perspective, promising both old fans and newcomers a fresh take on Saw’s iconic legacy of terror.