Chapter 506: Toying with the Audience, Absolutely Terrifying

Who could the mastermind be?

That was the burning question on every viewer's mind as they watched the film.

It wasn't the Black cop.It wasn't Dr. Lawrence Gordon.It wasn't Adam.It wasn't the orderly either…

It seemed like everyone had been ruled out!

Could it really be that female survivor, Amanda?

Or… was it the doctor's wife?

The doctor had been unfaithful—had his wife set up this twisted game to get revenge?

That seemed plausible too!

But soon enough, the true culprit appeared on the big screen.

Just as a stunned Adam put down the tape recorder, a figure slowly sat up from the floor behind him. With a forceful tug, the person ripped away the disguise covering their head. Like a demon rousing from slumber, they opened their gray-blue eyes!

The corpse—was Jigsaw all along!

"Oh, shit!""Holy shit!""What the fuck!"

A chorus of exclamations erupted.

The audience stared at the big screen, completely blown away by the shocking twist!

Harvey grinned. This was exactly why he had dragged his friends to rewatch the film for the 22nd time. The movie was great, sure, but the real treat was seeing his friends' dumbfounded expressions!

Hahaha!

On-screen, flashbacks began to play, revealing all the hidden clues that had been right under the audience's noses.

"Damn it, how did I not see that?""Shit, I totally overlooked that part!""There were so many hints! The director was practically spoon-feeding us!"

Frustrated groans filled the theater.

On the screen, Jigsaw pointed at the bathtub and told Adam, "The key to your chain is in the bathtub."

It was pure mockery—a jab at Adam for unknowingly letting the key wash down the drain when he had pulled the plug.

In a fit of rage, Adam grabbed the gun from the orderly's hand and aimed it at Jigsaw.

But Jigsaw merely cast him a contemptuous glance and pressed the switch in his hand.

A powerful electric current surged through the shackle on Adam's ankle, sending him sprawling to the floor.

This also explained why the doctor had suddenly been electrocuted earlier—if he hadn't been knocked unconscious at that moment, he might have realized the truth from the phone call and abandoned the idea of sawing off his leg.

Jigsaw didn't spare a single glance at Adam's writhing form. He simply strode toward the door, speaking in a slow, deliberate tone:

"Most people are ungrateful for life. But not anymore."

As Adam watched in utter despair, Jigsaw slowly shut the door, plunging the room into darkness once again.

"Game over," a voice intoned.

The screen abruptly went black, and the end credits rolled.

But no one in the theater moved.

They were still immersed in the aftershock of the film.

—

On the way home, Louis and his friends were still buzzing with excitement.

The lanky Black guy said, "Who's the director of this film? He completely played us all!"

Louis replied, "I checked the credits. Some guy named James Wan."

"James Wan?" Harvey frowned. "Never heard of him. Must be a newbie."

"Who cares? I'm buying a ticket for whatever he makes next."

"Same here!""Me too!"

"Actually, we just need to follow Meyers Pictures. Martin's instincts have never been wrong!"

"Oh, you got that right!"

—

Pop!

With a crisp sound, a champagne bottle was uncorked.

In the conference room of Meyers Pictures, a small celebration was underway.

"$26.4 million in the first weekend—James, Leigh, you guys did it!" Drew Barrymore personally filled their glasses with champagne. The two 28-year-olds were overwhelmed by the attention.

Martin walked over, grinning as he slung an arm around their shoulders. "Get used to it, guys. You're big shots now! And by the way, start thinking about Saw II and III."

"A sequel?" James Wan asked.

"Of course. Successful films always get sequels. James, do you want to direct again? And Leigh, are you in for the script? We can increase the budget."

The two of them exchanged a look and nodded without hesitation.

"Why the hell not?"

Martin laughed heartily. "Perfect! Now grab your glasses—let's toast!"

"Cheers!"

—

Saw wasn't just a box office hit—it was a critical success too.

Film critics loved this kind of mind-bending storytelling.

"Every plot twist in Saw toys with the audience, constantly defying expectations. The structure is full of layered twists and perfectly interconnected details. Sure, there are a few minor plot holes, but they hardly matter. The final five minutes are so shocking that they completely overshadow any script flaws. This film is a spiritual successor to Hitchcock's suspense techniques." — The New York Times

"This isn't your typical horror film. It's a blend of escape room, mystery, revenge, and plot twists. Blood, human nature, choices, hope, despair—it all seems like a test, but in the end, it's just part of the game. And that ending? It adds a philosophical touch that makes all the violence and crime land with purpose. A small yet masterful film." — The Washington Post

"James Wan, a newcomer to the horror genre, proves he has an instinct for suspense. He knows exactly when to hold back, when to reveal, and when to deliver a scare. Under his direction, the pacing never falters. From start to finish, the audience is engrossed in solving the mystery, playing the game alongside the characters, and even becoming part of the movie themselves. The fourth wall shatters, immersing viewers in the tension without the need for a literal chainsaw to terrify them.

This clever and sophisticated storytelling doesn't just lure the audience into the director's traps—it also heightens the atmosphere by repeatedly subverting expectations. The truth was in plain sight the whole time, but no one saw it until the big reveal, leaving us speechless and marveling at Wan and Whannell's masterful script." — The Los Angeles Times

Online, Saw was being hailed as an instant cult classic.

"One of the greatest horror films I've ever seen. The plot is full of unbelievable twists and turns—it's gripping, unpredictable, and not just another mindless gorefest. The best part? The storytelling! Halfway through, my palms were sweating like crazy. Five stars, hands down."

"This movie gave me the same vibes as The Silence of the Lambs. That final twist? Absolutely insane. I freaking love it!"

"Shit, this movie scared the hell out of me. So, naturally, I need everyone else to watch it too—otherwise, it's not fair!"

"That ending was brilliant. Those last five minutes took the entire movie to another level. Don't waste your life… or Jigsaw might come for you."

"This film sent chills down my spine. Especially the scene where the doctor saws off his own leg—I nearly threw up. Seriously, forcing people to harm themselves for redemption? That's next-level terrifying."