Saw

Saw

Year: 2004

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: James Wan

MysteryThrillerHorrorCrime

Trapped in a dingy bathroom, photographer Adam Stanheight and oncologist Lawrence Gordon find themselves pawns in a twisted game orchestrated by the enigmatic serial killer Jigsaw. As they navigate a series of gruesome puzzles to survive, dark flashbacks reveal the chilling tales of Jigsaw's previous victims, while those they love are forced to bear witness to their torment via unsettling video feeds.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Saw yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Saw (2004)
Trace every key event in Saw (2004) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

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.

Industrial bathroom
2

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.

Industrial bathroom
3

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.

Industrial bathroom
4

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.

Industrial bathroom
5

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.

Industrial bathroom
6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

Industrial bathroom
11

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.

Industrial bathroom
12

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.

Industrial bathroom
13

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.

Industrial bathroom
14

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.

Industrial bathroom
15

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.

Industrial bathroom

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:31

Similar Movies to Saw
Discover movies like Saw that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.