Directed by
James Wan
Made by
Lions Gate Films
Discover the intricate plot of Saw (2004). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The story unfolds as photographer Adam Faulkner (Leigh Whannell) awakens in a chilling scenario—submerged in a bathtub filled with water. In a desperate attempt to escape, he inadvertently pulls the drain plug, and a peculiar glowing blue object swirls down the drain, quickly vanishing from sight. As his cries echo in the dark, it becomes clear that he is not alone. The somber and tense atmosphere reveals Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) who is trapped in the same grimy industrial bathroom, sparking the flickering lights with the flip of a switch.
Both men are shackled to opposing corners of the room, their eyes drawn to a lifeless figure sprawled in a pool of crimson, clutching a revolver and a microcassette recorder. As the plot thickens, they uncover envelopes in their pockets, each containing chilling microtapes—what they initially perceive as instruments of their doom. The voice on Adam’s tape chillingly questions, “Are you going to watch yourself die, or do something about it?” Meanwhile, Lawrence’s tape bears a sinister ultimatum: he must kill Adam before the clock strikes six, or risk watching his wife and child meet a grisly fate, leaving him to suffer an agonizing death alone in this forsaken place. “Let the game begin…” the voice ominously concludes, setting a dark tone for their desperate plight.
Soon, they stumble upon hacksaws hidden in the toilet tank; however, their intended use is deceptive. While Adam’s frustration leads him to break one, Dr. Gordon recognizes the harsh reality—these saws are his only tools for escape, intended to free them from their shackles by slicing through their own ankles. A series of flashbacks introduces the sordid history of their captor, known as the “Jigsaw Killer,” characterized by gruesome tests that have claimed previous victims, like Paul and Mark, each left bearing pieces of skin removed in the shape of puzzle pieces.
As tension mounts, Gordon contemplates the ethics of their situation. He realizes that the Jigsaw Killer does not directly enact death upon his victims, but rather forces them into agonizing choices. Flashbacks reveal the aftermath of one survivor’s test, Amanda Young (Shawnee Smith), a shattered heroin addict who believes her harrowing experience has forged her into a stronger person.
The narrative quickly shifts, and viewers are presented with past moments from Dr. Gordon’s life—his heartfelt times with his family juxtaposed against his current torment. Meanwhile, Detective Tapp (Danny Glover), alongside his partner, investigates the Jigsaw case. Their ill-fated attempts to apprehend the killer only deepen the tragedy, culminating in Tapp’s intense obsession that leads him to surveil Dr. Gordon, convinced of his guilt.
As the stakes rise, Gordon uncovers a box filled with ominous items—a cigarette, a lighter, and a dark suggestion to kill Adam by contaminating the cigarette with the blood of the deceased. ### They devise a desperate plan to outsmart their captor by simulating a death, but their attempts backfire horrifically as a powerful electric shock courses through Adam’s chain, revealing the grim reality—he is still alive.
In a shocking turn of events, the film culminates in a frantic finale—the arrival of Zep, a pawn of the Jigsaw Killer, who is intent on fulfilling the sinister rules imposed upon him. Tensions boil over as alliances are tested, leading to a heartbreaking shootout that decimates the lives caught in this intricate web of horror and revenge.
In the film’s climax, the identity of the true Jigsaw killer is startlingly unveiled—John Kramer (Tobin Bell), once a patient of Dr. Gordon. He reveals the haunting truth that the key to Adam’s shackles was all along in the bathtub, the very object that disappeared in the film’s opening moments. Faced with the chilling reality of his fate, Adam reaches for John’s gun, but is met with a shocking retaliation. In a final, haunting farewell, John voices the words, “Most people are so ungrateful to be alive. But not you. Not anymore.” As he seals Adam’s fate with the door, the film crescendos to its chilling conclusion, leaving audiences with Adam’s anguished screams of despair echoing through the credits.
Track the key events of Saw (2004) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Adam Wakes Up
Photographer Adam Faulkner awakens in a terrifying situation, submerged in a bathtub filled with water. In an instinctive move, he pulls the drain plug, inadvertently causing a glowing blue object to swirl down the drain, marking the beginning of his nightmare.
Meeting Dr. Gordon
As Adam calls out in desperation, he discovers he is not alone; Dr. Lawrence Gordon is also trapped in the grimy bathroom. Both men are shackled to opposite corners, heightening the tension as they begin to grasp the severity of their predicament.
Discovery of the Body
The atmosphere thickens as both men notice a lifeless figure lying in a pool of blood, holding a revolver and a microcassette recorder. This macabre discovery introduces them to the stakes of their dire situation.
Chilling Ultimatum
Each man discovers an envelope containing a microtape that reveals their horrific game. Adam's tape poses a question about his will to live, while Lawrence's tape delivers a sinister ultimatum: kill Adam before six o'clock or risk his family's lives.
The Hacksaws
Adam and Dr. Gordon locate hacksaws hidden within the toilet tank of their prison. Initially, their purpose remains unclear, but eventually, Gordon realizes they must inflict pain on themselves to escape their current horrifying reality.
Flashbacks of the Jigsaw Killer
Through flashbacks, the men learn about their captor, the notorious Jigsaw Killer, who subjects people to brutal tests. The horrific fate of past victims, including Paul and Mark, reveals the gruesome nature of the games he plays.
Amanda Young's Backstory
The narrative delves into the background of Amanda Young, a survivor of the Jigsaw Killer's tests. Once a troubled heroin addict, her horrific experience leads her to believe she has emerged as a stronger person, illustrating the complex psychology of the Jigsaw's victims.
Dr. Gordon's Flashbacks
Dr. Gordon's past is explored through flashbacks, showcasing heartfelt moments with his family. This juxtaposition intensifies the emotional weight of his current dire circumstances and his desperate need to survive.
Detective Tapp's Investigation
Meanwhile, Detective Tapp and his partner investigate the Jigsaw Killer case, uncovering grim clues along the way. Tapp's fierce obsession with solving the case leads him to surveil Dr. Gordon, convinced he may play a larger role in these grisly games.
A Sinister Plan
Gordon discovers a box containing sinister items, including a cigarette and a lighter, suggesting a grim method to kill Adam. Their plan to trick their captor ultimately backfires, highlighting the twisted nature of their situation.
Electric Shock Revelation
In a shocking twist, an electric shock coursing through Adam's chain reveals that he remains alive and part of the game. The horrifying realization complicates their efforts to escape, as their plans unravel amidst the chaos.
Zep's Arrival
The tense atmosphere escalates with the arrival of Zep, a pawn of the Jigsaw Killer, who is bound by the rules of the deadly game. His intentions ignite a struggle for survival, resulting in a heartbreaking shootout that tests all boundaries.
The Reveal of John Kramer
In the film's climax, the true identity of the Jigsaw Killer is unveiled as John Kramer, a former patient of Dr. Gordon. His revelation of the key's location escalates the tension and leads to tragic consequences for Adam.
Tragic Conclusion
In a chilling act, John seals Adam's fate, reinforcing the cruel nature of his game. His final words haunt the air as Adam is left screaming in despair, epitomizing the horror that pervades the entire narrative.
Final Moments
As the film concludes, Adam's anguished screams resonate through the credits. The psychological torment and moral dilemmas etched into both men's experiences provide a haunting end to a story of survival and dread.
Meet the characters that bring Saw (2004) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Adam Faulkner (Leigh Whannell)
Adam is a photographer who finds himself in a terrifying situation, shackled in a grim bathroom with no memory of how he got there. His character arc showcases his descent into frustration and hopelessness as he grapples with survival and the moral implications of his situation. Throughout the film, Adam's tenacity is tested, revealing his deeper psychological struggles.
Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes)
Dr. Lawrence Gordon is a surgeon trapped alongside Adam, facing impossible choices to save his family and himself. His character is marked by a struggle between his professional ethics and the grotesque demands of the Jigsaw Killer. His intellect and desperation create a complex portrayal of a man pushed to his limits.
Detective Tapp (Danny Glover)
Detective Tapp is relentless in his pursuit of the Jigsaw Killer, portraying the obsession that can accompany a hunt for justice. His character is driven by a personal vendetta that ultimately clouds his judgment. Tapp's investigative nature contrasts sharply with the chaotic and gruesome events of the film, making him a pivotal figure in the unfolding horror.
Uncover the settings of Saw (2004), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting modern societal issues regarding life, death, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding survival. Themes of morality and the human psyche are explored in a setting that, while not tied to a specific historical period, resonates with the anxieties of the early 2000s.
Location
grimy industrial bathroom
The movie takes place in a grimy industrial bathroom, characterized by its dirty walls, flickering lights, and an oppressive atmosphere. This location is a crucial part of the film, serving as both a prison and a psychological battleground for the main characters. Its unsettling ambiance amplifies the tension and desperation felt by the characters trapped within.
Explore the core themes of Saw (2004). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🧩
Survival
The central theme of survival permeates the narrative, depicted through the desperate choices faced by the characters. Adam and Dr. Gordon are thrust into a deadly game that forces them to confront their morals and instincts as they navigate life-or-death decisions. The film highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to survive when cornered.
⚖️
Morality
Morality plays a pivotal role, as the characters grapple with ethical dilemmas posed by the Jigsaw Killer. The story questions the validity of good versus evil, highlighting how the captor forces his victims into confrontations with their past choices. This exploration of morality adds layers of complexity to the characters' arcs.
💔
Desperation
Desperation is a driving force of the narrative, showcased through the psychological and physical struggles of the characters. The film emphasizes the lengths people will go to in dire situations, illustrating how fear can drive individuals to make horrifying decisions. The emotional weight of desperation serves as a catalyst for both the plot and character development.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.