Saw: Heritage

A great and solid fan film, even better than the last official films we got. Maybe if Lionsgate took the time to listen to fans and see their original projects, they would stop making films than nobody like.

At first I thought the reviews where over the top and too much so I sit down and watched the film only with the curiosity about how this would turn out. Once you are a few minutes in, you really immerge into the story and understand that the characters didn't meant to have a background, rather instead they been created on a way so us, the audience, can imagine our own scenarios. Impressive! You can tell there was a lot of love and effort put into this by Arfanis. Who apparently put his heart and soul into those fan films. I wish him one day to get the chance to work on an official saw film with real budget and actual actors.

Let me explain what I mean...Quentin Tarantino's visual references to other movies have become his trademark. Tarantino's unique style is an element known as "pastiche" in postmodern cinema. "Pastiche" is art that imitates a style, but also the mix. Exactly what Arfanis did for Saw: Heritage. He mixed two of his favorite universes. Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream and Wan's Saw. Arfanis understanding of the source material as well the respect to those sources, combined with his unique vision are what makes these pastiches so great. The writing could be way better. Don't take me wrong. Saw: Heritage is not a masterpiece, it is not oscar worthy, but it's not that bad either. Acting could be better, writing as well. But for zero budget I am happy and positive surprised that a fan film can deliver such respect to the original and uniqueness. Do I recommend it ? Not necessary. If you are Saw fan give it a watch thought keeping in mind it is director's first work as well it has zero budget and that the actors are greek. If you can survive all those factor's you may like it. It's fun to be honest.

Until 2021, Saw: Heritage has to be the only professional fan film inspired by the popular American horror franchise created by Wan and Whannell. Besides that, Saw: Heritage is one of the few fan-made movies that got noticed and approved by an actual member of the big Hollywood production it is based on. I am referring to Josh Stolberg, the writer of the original Jigsaw and Spiral films, who appears to have watched the film, and somehow he liked its composition.

Saw: Heritage is good only if you watch it as inspired by the original film. Arfanis' fan film is not a continuity or connected of the original Saw movies, nor it should be considered by anyone as an on canon movie. The project is great as far we see it on the wider image: Arfanis made his own Saw that has nothing to do with the films made by Lions Gate and Twister Pictures, yet he managed to take some elements from the original movies and combine them with his own unique vision. Saw: Heritage could work best as a part of an anthology compilation like Animatrix or Batman: Gotham Knight. Arfanis is a great and visionary director. His take on Saw certainly feels fresh and new and could contribute as a homage to Saw. His love for the franchise can be seen, but his love for the movies can be seen more. Arfanis talent to craft a movie is also there. Although Saw: Heritage is his first-ever movie, -and unfortunately a fan film and not original work- his pure talent and understanding of how filmmaking and narrative storytelling should work is visible on every frame.

So in conclusion, is Saw: Heritage worth your time? The real question is, can you watch it without comparing it with the films that are on canon? Then the answer is yes. Saw: Heritage managed to grow its legacy and leave its mark on the fan films universe. Saw: Heritage could be what Batman Dead End is for the DC Comics fan films universe. A brave take, a fresh look, a unique vision of what Saw is about, from someone who certainly understands what Saw is, but also has the talent and his original ideas as companion.

"Saw: Heritage" is an unauthorized fan film, released in 2016. This short film attempts to pay homage to the iconic "Saw" franchise. The film does a commendable job in creating a tense atmosphere, which is crucial for any horror film. The cinematography is also notable, especially considering the low budget. The idea of exploring the "Saw" universe without relying on the central character, Jigsaw, is intriguing. It shows that the franchise's core themes can be expanded upon. "Saw: Heritage" is an ambitious project that shows potential and ultimatelly, an interesting watch for die-hard fans of the franchise who are curious about different interpretations.

Pros: Composition, Atmosphere, Editing, Cinematography Cons: Acting, low budget