Susan Granger’s review of “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” (Lionsgate)
For those who are into the ‘torture-porn’ “Saw” franchise and its many sequels, “Spiral” now introduces undercover Homicide Detective Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Banks (Chris Rock), son of retired police chief Marcus Banks (Samuel L. Jackson), and his rookie partner Detective William Schenk (Max Minghella).
Openly criticized by his Metro PD boss, Capt. Angie Garza (Marisol Nichols), for not being a team player, wisecracking Zeke has been ostracized by many of his coworkers for ratting out a crooked colleague who routinely lied on the witness stand 12 years ago.
Zeke’s currently investigating a series of macabre murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past, involving deathtraps devised by notoriously sadistic John Kramer – a.k.a. Jigsaw.
Now, a Jigsaw copycat is targeting, torturing and killing corrupt cops in Zeke’s precinct, leaving behind Tiffany-blue boxes containing severed body parts as ‘souvenirs,’ along with a grotesque pig mask hung from wires.
As an avid fan of the “Saw” franchise, actor/comedian Chris Rock pitched this idea to Lionsgate. He was immediately signed to executive produce, star and help write the story with Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger. Director Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed “Saw” sequels II, III and IV, propels the plot, along with cinematographer James Oram, best known for Drake’s music videos.
Problem is: held back a full year because of COVID, the supposedly contemporary concept seems curiously dated, considering current focus on police reform and the ramifications of police brutality. The conclusion – having a Black man die at the hands of the police – is repugnant. And there’s no way – in today’s political climate – that, given Zeke’s reprehensible behavior, he could be considered a ‘good cop.’
On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “Spiral: From the Book of Saw” is a frightening 5 with a gory, repellent depravity that’s destined to gross-out any squeamish audience.
