If you are a fan of time travel, crime, and mind-bending suspense then Netflix’s Bodies is perfect to binge-watch this weekend. Directed by Haolu Wang and Marco Kreuzpaintner, Bodies is based on DC’s graphic novel by Si Spencer – who has been tributed in the first episode. The story follows four detectives in four different timelines and they discover a naked man’s body with one eye gouged out, surprisingly it’s the body of the same person in different timelines!

Shira Haas and Stephen Graham in Netflix’s ‘Bodies’

The 8-episode series parallelly shows four detectives – DS Hasan (Amaka Okafor) in 2023, DS Whiteman (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) in 1941, DI Hillinghead (Kyle Soller) in 1890, and DC Maplewood (Shira Haas) in 2053 twisted in the same case discovering facts that are beyond their understanding. DS Hasan from the year 2023 discovers that the case she has been working on has happened before, not once but twice decades ago. Much to her suspicion, the evidence aligns with her own case which leads her confused more than ever.

Stephen Graham is not limited to one timeline, his intense performance deepens the storyline, leaving viewers jumpy. Amaka Okafor, Shira Haas, Kyle Soller, and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd’s distinctive acting and effective dialogue delivery are appreciated but Fortune-Lloyd deserves a standing ovation for his shining performance. Graham and Soller’s costumes and makeup are on point in the show.

Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as DS Whiteman in Bodies

With each episode comes mind-blowing twists that keep you on edge all the time. Each detective’s personal story and connection to people close to them adds more depth to their character and the choices they make. Even till the end of the last episode, the series holds your attention profoundly. Different timelines connected to one another may cause confusion at first but it only adds more fun to the story that leaves us in shock.

Now, if it reminds you of Netflix’s other popular German series Dark, directed by Baran bo Odar, then we can’t blame you. Bodies and Dark are not related to each other but they draw strong parallels to one another and it’s mainly due to different timelines, time travel, and hard-to-understand relations between the two characters. Although characters in Bodies are not connected to each other deep and twisted like in Dark but you need to keep a close eye to understand their connection. Dark, starring German actors Louis Hofmann and Lisa Vicari, is Netflix’s one of the most popular supernatural twists series and it is safe to assume that Bodies is no less than the 3-season German series.

Time Portal in ‘Dark’ vs ‘Bodies’

Stephen Graham’s Bodies is a mind-bending, thriller series full of brilliant performances. Its captivating narrative and depth keep the viewers engaged and entertained.

Bodies is available to stream on Netflix.

Plot

A dive at one of the world’s most remote spots becomes a fight to the death for sisters Drew (Lowe) And May (Krause) when a landslide sends rocks tumbling into the sea, trapping May in the depths. As their oxygen runs low, Drew must make life-and-death decisions with no outside help in sight…

Movie Review (no spoilers)

The story starts off with this the two sisters Drew and May going for a dive, and the one moment it feels like pure bliss, the next calamity strikes and the sisters are in a dangerous situation where one has to do her outmost best to save her sister. Throughout the movie you feel the tensions between the two sisters as well as the suspense and the will to survive. There is a history between the two sisters and the movie doesn’t really reveal much about the reasons for the tension between the two, but the dangerous depths is enough to bring two sisters together in the fight for survival.

Everything felt so real with how the sister reacted and how she tries everything which is possible in any danger situation. The performances of both Sophie Lowe and Louisa Krause deserves an applause.

Will there be a good ending? I invite you to come “sea” this movie and experience this suspense thriller on the big screen.

I rate this movie a 4 out of 5.

There is no post-credits scene, so no need to wait till the end.

The trailer doesn’t spoil any major points and is done brilliantly. You can even feel the tension in the trailer. Take the plunge, and watch at a cinema near you!

The Saw Film Saga

Here is the recommend order to watch all the Saw movies.

Jigsaw (2017)

Thirteen years ago on Halloween weekend – SAW and the character of JIGSAW introduced the world to a new face of horror. For seven straight years “If it’s Halloween it must be SAW” was a holiday tradition. This October 27… Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures proudly present JIGSAW! After a series of murders bearing all the markings of the Jigsaw killer, law enforcement find themselves chasing the ghost of a man dead for over a decade and embroiled in a new game that’s only just begun. Is John Kramer back from the dead to remind the world to be grateful for the gift of life? Or is this a trap set by a killer with designs of their own?

Saw 1 (2004)

With its story of a morally obsessed serial killer who forces his victims to play horrific games of torture and survival, SAW shocked audiences, redefined the horror genre, and spawned one of the most successful franchises of all time. Now, experience the unhinged depravity of the Jigsaw Killer in an eye-popping 4K transfer that will chill your blood and disturb your dreams.

Two men awaken to find themselves on the opposite sides of a dead body, each with specific instructions to kill the other or face consequences. These two are the latest victims of the Jigsaw Killer.

Saw X (2023)

John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most disturbing installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game. Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, the infamous serial killer returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through devious, deranged, and ingenious traps.
Saw X Movie Poster (Lionsgate Movies)

Saw II (2005)

Officer Eric realizes that Jigsaw is back to playing his evil tricks of locking down people and gruesomely torturing them. Eric has to find a way to set his son and others free from Jigsaw’s dungeon.

Saw III (2006)

Jigsaw orders his apprentice to kidnap a doctor in order to keep him alive while he watches his other apprentice put a man through a brutal test.

Saw IV (2007)

While FBI agents Strahm and Perez are still engulfed in the grisly Jigsaw case, SWAT Commander Rigg is roped in as the last pawn for yet another lethal game of the manic Jigsaw.

Saw V (2008)

Although Jigsaw and Amanda are dead, the game still lures five unassuming victims. In the guise of a survival of the fittest routine, the contestants begin their journey towards a deadly end.

Saw VI (2009)

The legacy of the Jigsaw Killer continues as his successor Mark Hoffman follows his instructions while his wife carries out his final request.

Saw: The Final Chapter (Saw 3D) (2010)

Jigsaw’s widow Jill Tuck attempts to assassinate Mark Hoffman, a psychotic detective. However, he escapes swearing revenge against her, as she seeks asylum from the police.

Spiral: From The Book Of Saw (2021)

A criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw. Working in the shadow of his father, an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.

My Expectations Heading Into The Movie

Even though SAW X is the tenth film in the Saw film series, it is meant to be the direct sequel of Saw 1 and the prequel to Saw 2. I can’t wait to see how this movie connects Saw 1 and Saw 2.

I’m hoping for Saw X to go deeper into the background of John Kramer as well as the mystery behind Billy the Puppet. Still curious as to the motivation behind the puppet and since the puppet is the size of a kid, it makes me wonder if Billy is meant to be the representation of the kid he never had (thinking back to Saw IV when John’s ex-wife had a miscarriage).

I’m hoping for Saw to deliver on its bloody excellent gory scenes. Nothing like a few screams and traps to give you the shivers.

I’m also hoping on more character development and stories with both Amanda Young and Mark Hoffman. They played their parts to perfection in the other Saw movies. I’m also curious about whether we get to see Dr. Lawrence Gordon on screen again.

I’m also hoping to see if there are perhaps a conclusion as to what happened to Adam from the first Saw movie…just imagine if he is still alive, another puppet behind the scenes…

Also hoping on the famous Saw music theme to pop up before they deliver a deadly plot twist.

I’m hoping the movies delivers more gore and drama than the predecessor, Spiral: From the Book of Saw.

There is a rumor that the movie ends of with a post-credits scene, and I’m really hoping that Jigsaw’s games are far from over.

I’m ready to play the game.

Movie Review (no spoilers)

Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith delivers a bloody excellent performance as Jigsaw and his accomplice, Amanda. But the emotions, pain and brutality felt real with the performances done by Synnøve Macody Lund, Steven Brand, Michael Beach and Renata Vaca. The assortment of traps in Saw X delivers just another level of realism. It really does well to connect Saw 1 and Saw 2 and leaves you with the hunger for another story, another game.

With a soundtrack to die for, a storyline as intense and deadly as ever and an ending that is true to the Saw saga, I can say the Saw storyline and Jigsaw is more alive than ever. I highly recommend binge watching the entire film series from start to end. Try to experience Saw X on the big screen if you, and please leave the young ones at home… There are quite a few gory moments, enough to make your toes curl.

My expectations for the movie was definitely met with a few exceptions that I won’t mention because I want you to join in on the action and play the game…watch the movie, I mean.

The trailer doesn’t spoil any surprises…except maybe for Amanda’s return, but we are more than happy to have her back. Make sure to wait for the mid-credits for another surprise.

I came, I SAW and I thoroughly enjoyed this! Saw X is another puzzle piece in a great masterpiece.

My rating for this movie is a 5 out of 5. A bloody fantastic masterpiece with a storyline that entraps you. I really hope that the game is far from over…

Catch Saw X at a cinema near you.