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.