Jigsaw (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Jigsaw (2017), the eighth installment in the Saw franchise, reveals that the game being investigated is actually occurring in the present day, not years earlier as initially believed. The twist exposes that Logan Nelson, a forensic pathologist and Jigsaw's secret apprentice, orchestrated the new game to punish those responsible for a botched organ transplant that killed his wife. The film concludes with Logan revealing himself as the new Jigsaw, setting up potential future sequels while maintaining the franchise's signature moral ambiguity and gruesome traps.
Detailed Explanation:
The film Jigsaw employs a dual-timeline narrative to mislead both the characters and the audience. For most of the movie, detectives Halloran and Hunt believe they are investigating a series of murders linked to the long-dead Jigsaw Killer (John Kramer), assuming the events occurred years prior. Meanwhile, five victims are shown participating in a deadly game where they must confess their sins to survive. The timelines converge in the climax when it's revealed that the game is happening concurrently with the investigation. Logan Nelson, who appeared to be a mere bystander, is unmasked as the mastermind behind the new traps, having been secretly trained by John Kramer before his death.
The final twist hinges on Logan's personal vendetta. Years earlier, Logan's wife died due to medical negligence when a hospital prioritized a wealthy patient for an organ transplant. The five victims in the game were all connected to this injustice-either as the corrupt doctor, the organ harvester, or those who covered it up. Logan's motivation mirrors John Kramer's philosophy of testing individuals' will to live, but with a more personal edge. The film ends with Logan killing Halloran (who was also corrupt) in a brutal trap, solidifying his role as the new Jigsaw and leaving the door open for future installments.
Unresolved Questions:
1. How did Logan remain undetected for so long?
- Possible Answer: He was a low-profile apprentice, unlike Hoffman or Amanda, and used his forensic expertise to cover his tracks.
2. Will Logan continue Jigsaw's legacy or deviate from it?
- Possible Answer: His personal vendetta suggests he might be more ruthless, but the film leaves his future actions ambiguous.
3. What happened to Eleanor, the Jigsaw fanatic who collected trap memorabilia?
- Possible Answer: She might return in sequels as a ally or adversary, given her knowledge of the games.
Personal Opinion:
The ending of Jigsaw is a clever but somewhat predictable addition to the franchise. While the twist of Logan's involvement is well-executed, it lacks the shock value of earlier Saw films like the original's bathroom reveal or Hoffman's betrayal in Saw V. The dual-timeline structure is engaging but feels overly convoluted, and Logan's motivation, while emotionally charged, doesn't quite match the philosophical depth of John Kramer's ideology. That said, the film succeeds in revitalizing the series with fresh traps and a new antagonist, making it a solid entry for fans of gruesome moral dilemmas.
Final Thoughts:
Jigsaw attempts to balance nostalgia with innovation, and for the most part, it succeeds. The ending sets up Logan as a worthy successor to John Kramer, though his story lacks the complexity of the original Jigsaw's character. The traps are inventive, and the moral quandaries are as brutal as ever, but the film's reliance on timeline tricks feels like a crutch. Still, it's a satisfying watch for horror enthusiasts and sets the stage for future games-assuming Logan's reign continues. Whether the franchise can maintain its momentum with this new direction remains to be seen, but Jigsaw proves there's still life in the series.