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‘Spiral’ Review – A New Path is Forged but The Jigsaw Legacy Lives On

By Dom Fisher
May 19, 2021
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Synopsis:

A criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw. Working in the shadow of his father, an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.

Some things are better said through film. A focused one-way conversation is often the only way to get a point across because not everyone is listening, some people are just waiting to talk. The most grotesque and macabre art can have some of the most profound and inspired outlooks on a given subject. It can also drive the nail home for simple or broad topics as well. It grabs and shakes you into seeing a perspective that you may have never given any thought to. These sentiments can be expressed through drama. action, or fantasy but I feel that horror tends to have a lasting effect on people. Nothing says, don’t be a bully or a corrupt scumbag, like seeing someone being slowly exsanguinated and disemboweled. Not only is it a visual that will stay with you, but you’ll think twice before being an ass.

“We were working under Article 8, we were out of control.”

Justice is questioned, laws are broken, and the mettle of a man is tested in Darren Lynn Bousman’s Spiral. Fresh out of the book of Saw, Spiral is a new and more pointed chapter of the punishment film franchise. A new path is forged but the Jigsaw legacy lives on. This time around its torture devices are reserved for police corruption. Unlike the other films in the family that tend to focus on the body disfiguring death games of Jigsaw, Spiral transforms itself into a mystery thriller by giving us a new perspective. While ditching the little puppet, Billy, well, sort of, and trading him in for the familiar pig mask, the film takes on a more aggressive tone. The guilty will pay for their sins in blood. With its head-turning gore, humor, and a reinvigorated story, horror fans are sure to be delighted. Now, I did find it lacking a bit in mystery, as I had most of the sinister tale figured out very early on, nonetheless, the story is highly enjoyable as it unfolds. Furthermore, instead of the film’s message being in subtle undertones, it violently conveys exactly what it wants to say. The only thing that took me out of the movie was the soundtrack. While I’d bump the soundtrack on its own, it did not fit the vibe of the film at all. Other than that and some forced moments, Spiral is a bloody entertaining experience. Its rewatchability is high.

Plot & Pace

When a new ominous murder occurs, defamed detective, Zeke Banks takes it to heart and insists that he run point on the investigation. Considered a snitch throughout his precinct, Banks isn’t well-liked nor does he trust any of his fellow officers. But when red spirals reminiscent of the Jigsaw murders are found, the entire police force has no choice but to work together before a new string of violence takes place. After receiving messages from the killer with his name on it, the case becomes personal for Banks. Now locked in a dangerous and time-sensitive game, the diligent detective, along with his rookie partner, must stop this sinister killer before more bodies turn up and they become the next targets.

I found zero pacing issues in this film, it’s pretty consistent. Its high tension feeling lasts from beginning to end.

Characters & Chemistry

I enjoyed all the performances, even as Chris Rock overacted a bit. But his jokes were hilarious and they were delivered with expertise as to not take away from the tone of the film. Max Minghella as Detective William Schenk does a great and has great chemistry with Rock’s character, Detective Zeke Banks. They have a Training-esque relationship that I found pleasing. While Samuel L. Jackson isn’t in a great deal of the movie, his character does play a pivotal role in the story. Oh, and of course his character utters the word that Jackson is known for and it always brings me joy.

Spiral is now available in theaters as of May 14th, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.