Split: Movie Review

"Split" takes back Shyamalan to a very watchable form. While this is not his best ever, "Split" wins us with its gripping and tense cinematography that had us gasping and holding our breaths throughout the entire length of the film.

Kevin (James McAvoy) has 23 different personalities which his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley) is trying to study and manage. But when Barry, Kevin's predominant personality for years, starts acting weird, she finds herself worried that something is not right with her most successful patient. What Dr. Fletcher does not know is that another darker personality, Dennis, has taken over Kevin and Barry and he has abducted three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy) to be sacrificed as food to a 24th hidden personality who is just known as the Beast.

Finally, after being Hollywood's laughing stock for years, M. Night Shyamalan is back in great form with "Split". The film still employs the same trickery that Shyamalan is infamous for. There's always a twist in the end. This time though, it's subtle and more believable than say what was revealed in "The Happening". But it may literally split audiences as it still dabbles with the supernatural at the end of the day. What makes "Split" a compelling experience is its cinematography and superb acting from McAvoy and rising star Anya Taylor-Joy. The cinematography was slow and meticulous, making sure that audiences are bombarded by non-stop suspense. The movie was actually uncomfortable (in a good way) as Shyamalan made sure that the tension from each scene was squeezed out. McAvoy is front and center for "Split" and he was amazing as he seamlessly transitioned from one different personality to another on the fly. This was defnitely creepy and amusing at the same time. Anya Taylor-Joy showed a lot of potential too as she brought a lot of emotion for a character that's a loner and an introvert most of her screen time. "Split" is a crucial step forward for M. Night Shyamalan. The film talks about suffering and those who suffer evolving over others. Shyamalan is finally evolving after being in limbo for years.

Rating: 4 reels





Why you should watch it:
- the film was tense throughout its runtime
- noteworthy acting from the McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- some may find the plot and reveal ridiculous and a waste of time