Spiral: From The Book Of Saw Review - 4 Ups & 6 Downs
Ups...
4. The Sharp Production Values
Easily the most imminently praise-worthy aspect of Spiral is its production quality. With a budget of $20 million - more than double Jigsaw's price-tag - this is by far the most professional-looking and aesthetically appealing Saw movie to date.
The cinematography, lighting, and production design are all a major leap ahead of the first seven movies in particular, ensuring that even in its worst moments it's at least appealing to look at.
Returning director Darren Lynn Bousman - who previously helmed Saw II through Saw IV - combines this slicker style with some of the more typical Saw hallmarks, such as speed-ramped editing during traps, to ensure it looks consistent enough with what came before.
It's just a shame the clear care put into the film's production didn't transpire through to the script.