Pros: Composition, Atmosphere, Editing, Cinematography
Cons: Acting, low budget
14 Reviews
Bad acting ruined the movie
fanialar10 February 2021
Not really feels like Saw
Horst_In_Translation23 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Saw: Heritage" is a Greek live action short film from 2016 written and directed by Christos Arfanis, who was only 20 when this was released. In order to have the film also seen by international audiences they decided to go for the English language though, even if Arfanis is obviously Greek and so are the actors in here. From the title you can already see what big film/franchise this short is linked to and the second word tells you that it is an aftermath story that takes place after the movie(s). I am not too familiar with "Saw" to really make more specific statements here, but I must say it felt nothing really like the film universe in which it takes place. It's alright though. It does not have too. I am not too fond of the idea that they use a big name franchise to promote their movie, especially if they use the name of said franchise in the title, but they can do so if they deliver quality. Quality in the sense of individual talent that does not necessarily have to do with the franchise. This is not the case here either though. Honestly, if there wasn't the mention of a famous character (you see her in the credits) and also a really brief flashback sequence that includes here, this would be 0% Saw. Instead I thought of the movie "Requiem of a Dream" on one or two occasions and now I read here on imdb this was no coincidence, but actually intended because the director is a fan of said Aronofsky movie and it is indeed a tribute to that one. So it felt much more like "Requiem for a Dream" to me than "Saw". As for the story, we have a guy silently enter into another guy's house and provide him with drugs, cocaine among others. Next the intruder vanishes and the addict consumes said drugs before there is another meeting at the very end. It was not working for me really. I would say for a 20-year-old it is an okay achievement, but as we are supposed to rate by general standards here, I cannot give this film a thumbs-up. It's not a failure, but it looks fairly amateurish most of the time and takes itself more seriously than it has any right to. The acting is okay at best too, here and there over the top. I see Arfanis has been really prolific in the not even five years after his very first filmmaking credit ever we have here, so I hope he already stepped things up since then and will keep dooing so in the future. I wouldn't mind him turning into a similar talent like Lanthimos one day. However, his film here, which runs for under 10 minutes (including a for this running time massive 90 seconds closing credits), gets a thumbs-down from me. Not recommended, unless you really want to see everything that has the slightest connection with "Saw".
Requiem for a Dream meets Saw
AlessandroWong197412 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Saw: Heritage is an interesting combination between the films Requiem of a Dream and Saw horror films. The director is a fan of said Aronofsky movie and it is indeed a tribute to that one, but also he is fan of the American horror franchise created by Wan and Whannell. The only way I could connect it with Aronofsky's film, is the fact that Arfanis modern direction and some scenes are heavily inspired by Requiem of a Dream. Other than that, the film is a great chapter in the book of saw. The movie has a promising plot that decides to develop. This short film aims to show how Jigsaw's message affected humanity, by presenting two types of people: James, who, despite the Jigsaw stories, is still addicted to substances (cocaine, smoking) and did not care to change his life, believing that people cannot change; and a Man talking to him, who understands Jigsaw's message, believing that his ways were effective and that people can in fact change.This is in short what Saw; Heritage is about...now let's go back in 2004 and read the original saw film summary: Two strangers, freelance photographer Adam Stanheight and Dr. Lawrence Gordon, awaken in a dilapidated bathroom with no memory of how they ended up there. Both men find a tape recording each in their pockets, and not long after listening to them, realize they have been trapped in a "game" perpetrated by the infamous Jigsaw Killer... Saw Heritage is exactly what the title states, A conclusion of the Legacy of Jigsaw. It does not matter when Arfanis film is taking place. It does not matter if it happens after the first film, before the first film, or during the first film. It doesnt matter if it happens between any of the other Saw films, it doesn't matter if it takes place before or between the other saw films. It is how Jigsaw's message affected and inspired the world. Saw: Heritage could be direct sequel to the 2004 film, or prequel or complete reboot. Saw: Heritage offers something to overall saw legacy and prooves that a Saw film can work without Jigsaw or John Kramer. Concept wise the movie deserved the rating I am giving it. It is promising. fresh, original, but also sticks to the roots. For zero budget and short film I am more than happy. Do I recommend it ? If you can see it concept wise, yes! But the movie could work better as a full feature. The short film brings a few questions. Who knows. Maybe one day Arfanis will actually manage to develop his fan film into an actual film. i wish him that. Thank you Mr. Arfanis. I enjoyed your film. I hope one day in the near future to watch a full feature by you. Keep chasing your goals!
Just your avarage fan film.
TylerMorgan877 February 2021
Saw: Heritage is the usual mediocre fan film one might expect. Many directors, especially at the beginning of their careers, choose to shoot a fan film to test their skills or build their reels. Most of the time, these movies are hidden and never come out to the light of the day. Today, thanks to the power of the internet, many of these movies are coming to the surface and being distributed on platforms like Youtube.
Saw: Heritage is the first film ever made by director Christos Arfanis. Arfanis definitely has great skills in directing films. But the fan film called Saw: Heritage is neither his best work nor something that should define him as a creator and filmmaker. The film is more reminiscent of "Requiem for a Dream" than "Saw", on which it was based. Extreme and detailed drug use just doesn't fit in the concept of Saw films. The scenes are masterfully shot, directed, and edited, but that shouldn't be the case. Good directing, cinematography, music, editing, do not save the indifferent script and the bad actors. Arfanis managed to make his own Saw world. A world that has nothing to do with the world set on the original Saw films, but it certainly has something to offer on the wider image.
Josh Stolberg said about the fan film the following: "Very cool. I enjoyed that a lot. Well done. Great composition. Nice idea. Really good work. It takes a lot of work to put together a short. Great work", and if you ask me, he is right you know. The movie is really enjoyable. The composition is top-notch. The idea is nice, the work overall is really good and it realy should take all the cast and crew much effort to make this fan film. What went wrong you may ask? Well, the film's biggest pro is also its biggest con: It is based on "Saw" but it is not "Saw". Arfanis' fan film is exactly what happened on "Saw" franchise, after the original "Saw III": Great movies quality-wise, but they lack originality and most characters are messy and loosely are being introduced without any purpose. There is no doubt that Arfanis has skills and talent and I am confident to say that his fan film work can easily complete and be compared with the major original Hollywood-made sequels of "Saw". But he could use that skill to make an original movie. Saw: Heritage is not a bad movie. But it doesn't feel like Saw, as many reviewers say. It is more like a "Requiem for a Dream meets Saw" type of thing.
So in conclusion. Does Saw: Heritage deserve your time? I'd say yes and no. You can give it a watch if you like films with good direction and cinematography. But is a big No if you want to watch something original and a good fan film. There are better fan films out there. There are better films out there. Why you waste your time watching that fan film? I'd say only to check Arfanis on his baby steps. Many reviews claim that Arfanis could be the next Lanthimos or Aronofsky or the next big name on Entertainment Industry. Could that happen? Sure, I hope so and I wish him that. But he should really focus on making some original content too. Do I recommend it? Watch something else instead.
With practice and practice, Arfanis will inevitably become a very good film director in the end. After all, practice makes perfect! But the thing is, he already set the bar high by making his first-ever film. Sadly, it was a fan film. But it is never late. We do grow as people when we explore ideas and characters journeys, I think what would so and so do, so directing does shape you as a person and your stories in your films can tell a lot about where you are emotionally or morally as well. Hopefully, Arfanis will all grow and learn to be a good person as well as a good director. The future seems bright and promising for Arfanis. But Saw: Heritage, is a no from me.
Saw: Heritage is the first film ever made by director Christos Arfanis. Arfanis definitely has great skills in directing films. But the fan film called Saw: Heritage is neither his best work nor something that should define him as a creator and filmmaker. The film is more reminiscent of "Requiem for a Dream" than "Saw", on which it was based. Extreme and detailed drug use just doesn't fit in the concept of Saw films. The scenes are masterfully shot, directed, and edited, but that shouldn't be the case. Good directing, cinematography, music, editing, do not save the indifferent script and the bad actors. Arfanis managed to make his own Saw world. A world that has nothing to do with the world set on the original Saw films, but it certainly has something to offer on the wider image.
Josh Stolberg said about the fan film the following: "Very cool. I enjoyed that a lot. Well done. Great composition. Nice idea. Really good work. It takes a lot of work to put together a short. Great work", and if you ask me, he is right you know. The movie is really enjoyable. The composition is top-notch. The idea is nice, the work overall is really good and it realy should take all the cast and crew much effort to make this fan film. What went wrong you may ask? Well, the film's biggest pro is also its biggest con: It is based on "Saw" but it is not "Saw". Arfanis' fan film is exactly what happened on "Saw" franchise, after the original "Saw III": Great movies quality-wise, but they lack originality and most characters are messy and loosely are being introduced without any purpose. There is no doubt that Arfanis has skills and talent and I am confident to say that his fan film work can easily complete and be compared with the major original Hollywood-made sequels of "Saw". But he could use that skill to make an original movie. Saw: Heritage is not a bad movie. But it doesn't feel like Saw, as many reviewers say. It is more like a "Requiem for a Dream meets Saw" type of thing.
So in conclusion. Does Saw: Heritage deserve your time? I'd say yes and no. You can give it a watch if you like films with good direction and cinematography. But is a big No if you want to watch something original and a good fan film. There are better fan films out there. There are better films out there. Why you waste your time watching that fan film? I'd say only to check Arfanis on his baby steps. Many reviews claim that Arfanis could be the next Lanthimos or Aronofsky or the next big name on Entertainment Industry. Could that happen? Sure, I hope so and I wish him that. But he should really focus on making some original content too. Do I recommend it? Watch something else instead.
With practice and practice, Arfanis will inevitably become a very good film director in the end. After all, practice makes perfect! But the thing is, he already set the bar high by making his first-ever film. Sadly, it was a fan film. But it is never late. We do grow as people when we explore ideas and characters journeys, I think what would so and so do, so directing does shape you as a person and your stories in your films can tell a lot about where you are emotionally or morally as well. Hopefully, Arfanis will all grow and learn to be a good person as well as a good director. The future seems bright and promising for Arfanis. But Saw: Heritage, is a no from me.
A honest review
JasonSmithRoberts10 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I will be honest with you. I don't like fan films. Howerver, Saw: Heritage is an exception. Considering it is Arfanis first work in the indusrty, big kudos that he decided to start his career by making a fan film. It is not easy to start your babysteps by making a fan film. It is very hard to even make an original movie on your first steps. Arfanis action to make a fan film needs big guts. People hardly know you to trust you their time. People hardly care to listen to you. I could see it as part of world created by Whannell and Wan. The props are also nice. Iconic pigmask is there. Blue hue as well. Despite though that the fact the film takes elements from saw filns, it is more like a "Requiem of a Dream" inspired film. With some more development it would be a better short movie and a better saw film for sure. On the pros it is that the film takes itself seriously but this is also a big con: It is fan film. It suppose to be a fan created film. Chill and enjoy the ride. Play with your favorite characters. Enjoy it and be wild. Arfanis seems like a promising director. His framing, setting and overall directrion was great for a starter, even more for a 20 year old. Better than most director's first works. It takes many years for other directors to develop the abilities ive seen on Arfanis, and even then some can't master it. Arfanis has better skills than most directors are missing. He has vision and fresh mind. But being honest, I would prefer to see those abilities on something original. Yet again the director made a few original works after Saw: Heritage that proves Arfanis can indeed work on original projects and succed. Arfanis IMDb profile shows that he is really productive and passionate filmmaker. I hope he has already improved things up since his first work and I am sure that he will keep doing so in the future. I can also see a future Lanthimos or even a young Aronofsky. But most importantly I can see a talented young director in the making. Talent exists. Skills exists. Creativity exists. As like the equipment, the budget and the ability of actors to speak English, the originality is also missing. Don't take me wrong. Acting was good. But the accent was 2 greek guys speaking English. I recommend it only for consideration and to see the director's baby steps. Arfanis has the potential to become a successful director, but he needs to focus on original content too.
Did "Saw: Heritage" inspired "Jigsaw" and "Spiral" ?
DisguisedOwl10 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a big fan of "saw" movies. The story of "Jigsaw"(2017!!!) is as follows: "Bodies are turning up around the city, each having a uniquely gruesome demise. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to one suspect: John Kramer, the man known as Jigsaw, who has been dead for over 10 years." The story of "Spiral"(2021!!!) is as follows: "A Jigsaw copycat is on the loose in new Saw spin-off". The story of "Saw: Heritage"(2016!!!) is as follows:"After the death of the infamous Jigsaw Killer, his message about appreciating life has been spread to the whole world. His work became famous by the media and by the people who had been part of his games. This short film aims to show how Jigsaw's message affected humanity, by presenting two types of people: James, who, despite the Jigsaw stories, is still addicted to substances (cocaine, smoking) and did not care to change his life, believing that people cannot change; and a Man talking to him, who understands Jigsaw's message, believing that his ways were effective and that people can in fact change." THE MAN APPEARS TO BE A COPYCAT ACTING AS JIGSAW AFTER JIGSAW'S DEATH!!! AND IT WAS MADE BEFORE JIGSAW AND SPIRAL!! WAS A FAN FILM INSPIRED THE ORIGINAL SAW FILMS?!?!?! OMG THATS GREAT AND SO INSPIRING TO THINK OF!! Do I reccomend that film though? Could be executed way better and maybe work as full feature film...BUT I LIKE THE PREMISE DOE!!
A visionary director, a fresh take on a favorite saga - Loved it!
georgegiotsas7 March 2020
"Saw: Heritage" is a fresh and also a bold take on our favorie saga. I loved this movie, director Christos Arfanis is an example for his peers -his work on it is exeptional. Cast also gives a performance that is up to the chilling script and claustrophobic direction of Arfanis. His love for "Saw" is vivid all over this film, and he is a professional about it.
Many people love "Saw" and it is easy for everyone to be a critic. Very few are bold enough to make a movie about it. And even fewer can make a really good movie. Christos Arfanis did it. Thank you Christos!
An okey achivement for a passion project.
SophieThomas856 November 2020
A Saw fan film is what you expect to be.
Omerta75218 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Saw franchise, we meet again. This time with a fan film. When Saw first came out in 2004, I remember watching it in the theaters with my mom. I remeber enjoying the film. The same feelings i felt watching that fan film. Although it certenly cant reach the budget of the original films, it is an enjoyable watch.
Arfanis reminds me of Tarantino on this one.
RobertDWing20 June 2020
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.
Messy editing
tyrtyertert18 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The editing is slightly messy at times, especially in the ending scene in which we learn more about the man who broke into James' house. Saw: Heritage really works because it frightens us, but it only really frightens us because who isn't afraid of having a stranger broke into their own house? Other than that, its an OK achievment.
The ONLY professional "Saw" fan film up to date!
kamora-396039 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Saw: Heritage could be a awesome fan film and a incredible Saw film in general. The filmmaker certenly knows what Saw is around around.
To this date, Saw: Heritage is the as it were proficient looking fan film motivated by the establishment of Saw by Whannell and Wan.
I delighted in it a parcel. I wish it was longer imo. But still, that brief fan film can effortlessly considered to be way better than saw v. New thoughts and an unique story.
The executive adhere to the roots but didn't attempt to duplicate the first movies. Instep, he gave his vision and made his possess Saw. Colossal regard for that.
I wish and I trust one day to see the maker of saw:heritage to create a genuine and unique saw film. Imo possibly the zero budget had as result the motion picture to be that brief. idk.
Pros: The as it were proficient saw fan film to date. Original story. Great direction. Fresh ideas.
Cons: Zero Budget Decent Actors.
To this date, Saw: Heritage is the as it were proficient looking fan film motivated by the establishment of Saw by Whannell and Wan.
I delighted in it a parcel. I wish it was longer imo. But still, that brief fan film can effortlessly considered to be way better than saw v. New thoughts and an unique story.
The executive adhere to the roots but didn't attempt to duplicate the first movies. Instep, he gave his vision and made his possess Saw. Colossal regard for that.
I wish and I trust one day to see the maker of saw:heritage to create a genuine and unique saw film. Imo possibly the zero budget had as result the motion picture to be that brief. idk.
Pros: The as it were proficient saw fan film to date. Original story. Great direction. Fresh ideas.
Cons: Zero Budget Decent Actors.
Great effort!
JamieMarsTheFanFilmMaster28 February 2021
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 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.
Better than "Spiral" or "Jigsaw"
vgspot4 August 2023
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.
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.
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