8 Most Criminally Unloved Slasher Movie Sequels

As each instalment of the Saw series came along, the franchise became increasingly known as having a confusing and unnecessarily knotty plot line. Is Jigsaw still alive? Or is he dead and long gone? Honestly, no one knows. However, there’s one huge draw at the centre of its films that keeps blood-thirsty audiences buying their cinema tickets, and that is, of course, the impressively elaborate torture sequences that Saw has become infamously known for.

This importance of the audience having a fun-packed gore-fest is why Saw IV is known as one of the (if not the definitive) worst sequel of the lot. Instead of a focus on blood-curdling torture inventions, this is the sequel that shifts the series into a sort-of melodramatic character-study of Jigsaw himself and the legacy he’s left behind. We see another huge winding and twisting backstory introduced, and the time-lines that once fitted and slotted nicely now throw you off your game.

Saw IV is undeniably drawn-out and convoluted, but it’s often suggested that each Saw movie should be watched in direct succession like a TV series - as you would if you’re staying up all night to binge the latest Netflix hit. This way, you might follow the plot line a little easier and start to notice the small things to be thrilled by.

After all, the bold scope of its complex narrative is impressive alone, especially in this fourth sequel that seemingly oils up Jigsaw’s game-playing machinery more so than any of the others. Plus, the cold and clinical palette of its cinematography make this instalment the most unnerving of them all. Give it another go - just this time pay full attention.