Spiral

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 14, 2021

Genre
Horror, Thriller, Crime

Cast & Crew

• Chris Rock as Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks
• Samuel L. Jackson as Marcus Banks
• Max Minghella as Detective William Schenk
• Marisol Nichols as Captain Angie Garza
• Zoie Palmer as Kara Boswick
• Dan Petronijevic as Detective Marv Boswick
• Richard Zeppieri as Detective Fitch

Director
Darren Lynn Bousman

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Saw II (2005)
• Saw III (2006)
• Saw IV (2007)
• Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

Producer

• Chris Rock
• Oren Koules
• Mark Burg

Writer

• Josh Stolberg
• Pete Goldfinger
• Based on a story by Chris Rock

Budget
$20 million

Production Company

• Lionsgate
• Twisted Pictures

Running Time
93 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Strong language
• Disturbing images
• Torture scenes

Movie Story
“Spiral” is a horror-thriller that serves as a reboot and spin-off of the iconic Saw franchise. The story follows Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock), a brash and seasoned police officer working in the shadow of his highly respected father, Marcus Banks (Samuel L. Jackson), who is a retired police chief. Zeke is assigned to investigate a series of grisly murders that bear an eerie resemblance to the notorious Jigsaw killings, but with a new and more personal twist.

The film opens with the discovery of a gruesome murder that sets the tone for a series of brutal traps and killings, all targeting members of the police force. Zeke, along with his rookie partner William Schenk (Max Minghella), delves deeper into the investigation, only to find themselves ensnared in the twisted game of a new killer who is out for vengeance against corrupt cops.

As Zeke races against time to stop the killer, he uncovers a conspiracy within the police department, where loyalty and justice are blurred by power and corruption. The killer, who operates under the guise of the Jigsaw legacy, is not only targeting Zeke’s colleagues but also has a personal vendetta that ties back to Zeke’s father and his own actions as a cop.

The film explores themes of justice, morality, and retribution, using the familiar Saw formula of elaborate death traps and moral dilemmas. “Spiral” distinguishes itself from previous entries in the franchise by focusing more on the procedural and investigative aspects, with Chris Rock bringing a fresh dynamic to the series through his portrayal of a flawed but determined detective.

Special Effects
“Spiral” continues the Saw franchise’s tradition of using practical effects to create its signature gruesome traps and kills. The film’s special effects team delivers on the blood and gore that fans of the series expect, with a variety of inventive and horrifying traps that challenge the characters both physically and psychologically. The use of shadow and lighting, combined with quick cuts and close-ups, enhances the intensity and suspense of the death scenes.

Box Office Performance
“Spiral” was released in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic and had a simultaneous digital release on streaming platforms. Despite the challenging release environment, the film performed decently at the box office, grossing approximately $40 million worldwide. It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Chris Rock’s performance and the fresh take on the Saw formula, but some criticism for its plot and pacing.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “Whoever did this has another motive. They’re targeting cops.” – Detective Zeke Banks
• “You want to play a game, mother****er?” – Marcus Banks

Behind-the-Scenes
The idea for “Spiral” came from Chris Rock, who approached Lionsgate with his concept for a fresh take on the Saw franchise. Rock’s involvement brought a new energy to the project, and the filmmakers sought to balance the traditional horror elements with a more narrative-driven approach, focusing on character development and social commentary. Darren Lynn Bousman, a veteran of the Saw series, returned to direct, bringing his experience with the franchise to the spin-off.

Awards

• None, though it gained attention for its attempt to revitalize the Saw franchise with a new direction.

Final Verdict
“Spiral” is an ambitious attempt to breathe new life into the Saw franchise, offering a blend of familiar horror elements with a more narrative-focused approach. Chris Rock’s performance as Detective Zeke Banks adds a fresh perspective to the series, and while the film delivers on the gore and tension that fans expect, it may leave some wanting more from its plot and character development. Overall, “Spiral” is a worthy entry for Saw enthusiasts and those interested in a new twist on the horror-thriller genre.

IMDb Rating
5.3/10