Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Spiral: From the Book of Saw is a 2021 mystery thriller directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, starring Chris Rock as Detective Zeke Banks, Dan Petronijevic and Zoie Palmer. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes and earned $40.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Critics gave it 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Director
- Darren Lynn Bousman
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Lionsgate
- Budget
- $20M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Spiral: From the Book of Saw About?
The premise of Spiral: From the Book of Saw without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
When a series of brutal murders mirrors those of the infamous Jigsaw killer, a seasoned detective and his rookie partner are thrust into a terrifying investigation. Detective Ezekiel "Zeke" Banks, working with his partner, must decipher the killer's twisted puzzles and stop the escalating violence. As they delve deeper, Zeke finds himself confronting not only a meticulous murderer but also a dangerous conspiracy that challenges his own beliefs and threatens everything he values.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- saw
- horror icon
- body count
- police procedural
- mystery killings
- written by star
- gore
- police detective
- serial killer
- serial murder
- mystery killer
- serial killer m.o.
+38 more Show fewer
- violence
- police
- police officer
- black cop
- detective
- neo noir
- police investigation
- twisty
- iab
- police boys club
- police uniform
- female uniformed police officer
- murder
- trap
- man killed
- woman killed
- female police officer killed
- grindhouse film
- anti hero
- sequel
- fireworks
- purse snatcher
- reference to tom hanks
- subway
- new partner
- reference to fitbit
- father son relationship
- reference to netflix
- reference to hulu
- reference to uber eats
- shot in the chest
- shot to death
- murder of a witness
- corrupt cop
- butcher shop
- reference to too short
- parade
- ferris wheel
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Cast & Characters
Chris Rock leads the cast as Detective Zeke Banks, with Dan Petronijevic as Detective Marv 'Boz' Boswick and Zoie Palmer as Kara Boswick. Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman; 14 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Darren Lynn Bousman
-
Chris Rock as Detective Zeke Banks - Dan Petronijevic as Detective Marv 'Boz' Boswick
- Zoie Palmer as Kara Boswick
- Marisol Nichols as Captain Angie Garza
Also Starring in Spiral: From the Book of Saw
· 10 more- Max Minghella Detective William Schenk
- Samuel L. Jackson Marcus Banks
- K.C. Collins Detective Drury
- Nazneen Contractor Coroner Chada
- Edie Inksetter Detective Kraus
- Morgan David Jones
- Leila Leigh Officer Mark
- Christopher Tai
- Ali Johnson Officer Jeannie Lewis
- John Tokatlidis
More from Darren Lynn Bousman
More films directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, best-rated first: St. Agatha, Tales of Halloween, Saw III and Saw II.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Spiral: From the Book of Saw 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 37/100, strongest in art & craft (45) and weakest in story & flow (30).
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Echo Score Breakdown
Spiral: From the Book of Saw delivers a mixed experience that leans toward disappointment. Critics acknowledge its adherence to Saw conventions and occasional social commentary, yet many note a predictable narrative and limited character depth. User feedback emphasizes weak acting, especially from Chris Rock, and a visual style described as muddy and overexposed. The combination of uneven storytelling and lackluster sensory elements results in limited replay value, positioning the film as a modest entry rather than a standout sequel.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 45
Regarding art and craft, the film maintains the Saw aesthetic through familiar direction and set pieces, which critics recognize as on‑brand and competent. However, users frequently criticize the visual presentation, citing muddy brown tones, over‑exposure, and generic editing that fails to elevate the material. Consequently, the technical execution is solid in concept but uneven in delivery.
- Character & Emotion 35
In terms of character and emotion, performances are uneven. Critics note that Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson bring humor and a degree of talent that brighten the proceedings, yet they also point out the scarcity of substantial roles, especially for women. User commentary overwhelmingly describes the acting as subpar, with Rock’s comedic style clashing with the grim tone, resulting in shallow characterisation.
- Story & Flow 30
Story-wise, the plot is criticized for predictability and a lack of originality. Critics mention an insufficient number of kills and a formulaic structure, while users harshly label the narrative as "stupid," "idiotic," and overly familiar, noting a weak reveal and a rushed ending. These observations collectively suggest a story that fails to engage beyond basic franchise expectations.
- Sensory Experience 40
Sensory experience receives mixed feedback. Critics acknowledge the film’s use of classic Saw sound cues and occasional effective gore, but also note that the tension dissipates early. Users frequently comment on distracting sound effects tied to lighting, a muddy color palette, and over‑exposed footage that undermines immersion. Overall, the audio‑visual elements are competent in parts yet hindered by inconsistent execution.
- Rewatch Factor 35
Rewatch factor is limited due to the film’s uneven pacing and lack of novel twists. Critics suggest it may satisfy franchise fans seeking familiar traps, yet the predictable narrative reduces incentive for repeat viewings. User opinions echo this sentiment, describing the movie as merely okay or outright forgettable, indicating little lasting appeal beyond a single watch.
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IMDb 5.2 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 38% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 75%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 59% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.1 /5
68 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.4 /5
See on Movie Insider
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Spiral: From the Book of Saw from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
During a lively Fourth of July parade, Detective Marv Boswick finds himself in a perilous chase after a thief who slips into a sewer drainage pipe. However, his pursuit takes a dark turn when he is ambushed by a masked figure clad in a pig mask. Upon awakening, he discovers himself suspended by his tongue in the midst of a bustling subway tunnel, faced with a terrifying choice through a recorded message: tear out his tongue to escape or remain until the next train arrives, sealing his fate. Unfortunately, Boswick runs out of time and is tragically killed by the oncoming train.
Full summary
The whole story of Spiral: From the Book of Saw, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Box Office & Budget
Spiral: From the Book of Saw grossed $40.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, 2.0 times what it cost. $23.2 million came from the US and Canada and $17.4 million (43%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$40.6M
2.0× its budget
- US & Canada
- $23.2M
- International
- $17.4M
- Budget
- $20M
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Trailers & Videos
12 videos: 3 trailers, 6 clips and 3 featurettes.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Trailer Official Trailer - Available July 20th on 4K Ultra-HD, Blu-ray & DVD
- Clip Official Clip “Old Man” – Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson
- Clip Official Clip “Play Me” – Chris Rock, Max Minghella
How Well Do You Know Spiral: From the Book of Saw?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What holiday is being celebrated when Det. Boswick is first attacked?
Cars in Spiral: From the Book of Saw
24 cars on screen, including the 1975 Chevrolet Camaro and the 2013 Ford Police Interceptor.
-
1975 Chevrolet Camaro Main role -
2013 Ford Police Interceptor Important role -
2009 Dodge Challenger Minor role -
Ford Crown Victoria Minor role
Spiral: From the Book of Saw Also Known As
54 alternative titles, including “Saw IX” and “The Organ Donor”.
- Also known as
-
- Saw IX
- The Organ Donor
- Пила 9
- Пила 9: Спираль
- Spiraal: van het boek SAW
- 电锯惊魂：螺旋
- 电锯惊魂9：螺旋
- Saw 9: Spiral
- Spiral: From The Legacy of Saw
- เกม / ลอก อำมหิต
- Saw IX - Spiral
- Lưỡi Cưa 9: Vòng Xoáy
+42 more Show fewer
- 电锯惊魂9
- 电锯惊魂9：旋涡
- Spirale
- Saw 9: Spiral - From the Book of Saw
- 漩渦：恐懼鬥室新遊戲
- 漩渦：恐懼鬥室9新遊戲
- Saw 9
- 恐懼鬥室9 漩渦
- Spirála strachu: Saw pokračuje
- Spiral - L'eredità di Saw
- Пила: Спираль
- Spirale : L'Héritage de Saw
- Espiral: O Legado de Jogos Mortais
- Spiral: Testere Devam Ediyor
- Saw: Spiral
- Špirála: Saw pokračuje
- Пила: Спіраль
- Спиралата: "Убийствен пъзел" продължава
- 死亡漩渦：奪魂鋸新遊戲
- Spiral: Saw
- 电锯惊魂9：漩涡
- 스파이럴
- Spirala straha: Novo poglavlje slagalice strave
- Spirál: Fűrész hagyatéka
- המסור: המעגל נסגר
- เกมลอกอำมหิต
- Spirala: Nowy rozdział serii Piła
- Espiral: El juego del miedo continúa
- Spiralė
- Lưỡi Cưa: Vòng Xoáy Tử Thần
- Spiral: Ο Θρύλος του Saw
- Spiral - O Novo Capítulo de Saw
- Спирала: Из књиге тестера
- 恐懼鬥室新遊戲 9 ：漩渦
- Spirale : L'héritage de Décadence
- Baiļu spirāle
- Spirala bolečine: Nova zapuščina igre Žaga
- スパイラル：ソウ オールリセット
- Spiral: Următorul capitol Saw
- 电锯惊魂 9：漩涡
- مارپیچ (ارّه 9), ხერხი 9: სპირალი
- Spiraal: filmiseeria "Saag" järgmine peatükk
Seen Spiral: From the Book of Saw?
Movies Like Spiral: From the Book of Saw
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Spiral, Saw and Jigsaw.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Spiral: From the Book of Saw, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Spiral: From the Book of Saw?
Spiral: From the Book of Saw runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).
When was Spiral: From the Book of Saw released?
Spiral: From the Book of Saw was released on May 14, 2021.
Who directed Spiral: From the Book of Saw?
Spiral: From the Book of Saw was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman.
More films by Darren Lynn Bousman Who is in the cast of Spiral: From the Book of Saw?
Spiral: From the Book of Saw stars Chris Rock as Detective Zeke Banks, Dan Petronijevic as Detective Marv 'Boz' Boswick and Zoie Palmer as Kara Boswick, among 14 credited actors.
How much did Spiral: From the Book of Saw make at the box office?
Spiral: From the Book of Saw grossed $40.6 million worldwide ($23.2 million domestic, $17.4 million international) on a budget of $20 million.
How is Spiral: From the Book of Saw rated?
Spiral: From the Book of Saw has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, 59% on TMDB and 2.1/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Spiral: From the Book of Saw have a post-credit scene?
No. Spiral: From the Book of Saw has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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