Saw (2004)

“Saw” is a 2004 American horror film directed by James Wan and written by Wan and Leigh Whannell. The movie stars Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, and Whannell in the lead roles.

The story of “Saw” centers around two men, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Elwes) and Adam (Whannell), who wake up in a bathroom with no memory of how they got there. As they attempt to escape, they discover that they are part of a twisted game orchestrated by a sadistic serial killer known as Jigsaw, who forces his victims to make brutal choices in order to survive.

“Saw” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its unique premise and intense suspense while others criticized its excessive gore and lack of character development. Despite this, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide against a budget of just $1.2 million.

In terms of awards, “Saw” was nominated for several horror and thriller film awards, including the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film and the Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Film. The film's iconic villain, Jigsaw, has also become a pop culture phenomenon, spawning numerous sequels and merchandise.

Overall, “Saw” is regarded as a classic of the horror genre, credited with popularizing the “torture porn” subgenre of horror films. Its success led to a long-running franchise, with eight sequels and a reboot in development.