Saw is a 2004 American horror film that marks the feature directorial debut of James Wan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Leigh Whannell. The film introduces the character of John Kramer, also known as the Jigsaw Killer, portrayed by Tobin Bell. Jigsaw is a terminally ill man who tests his victims’ will to live through deadly games, aiming to make them appreciate life by facing dire challenges.

The narrative centers on two men, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) and Adam Stanheight (Leigh Whannell), who awaken in a dilapidated bathroom, each shackled by the ankle to pipes at opposite ends of the room. Between them lies a corpse holding a revolver and a microcassette recorder. They discover tapes instructing Dr. Gordon to kill Adam by a specified time, or his family will be killed; failure to comply will result in their deaths.

As they struggle to escape, they uncover clues linking their predicament to the Jigsaw Killer.

Filmed over just 18 days with a modest budget of approximately $1.2 million, “Saw” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19, 2004, and was released theatrically on October 29, 2004. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $104 million worldwide.