4/5* Shivs Show | Siobhan Divers
Dir: M. Night Shyamalan
117 mins
Starring: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula.
Unnerving yet captivating, Split is a step up from first film in the series, Unbreakable and leaves viewers waiting in anticipation for Glass (2019) the film which links them together.
James McAvoy is compelling in his masterful performance as Kevin Wendell Crumb – a sufferer of dissociative identity disorder. Crumb has 23 personalities, ranging from a young boy to a chavy teenage girl. His entire self changes with each personality, changing how he acts, speaks, understands and behaves. This results in the emergence of 24th personality – The Beast which is fast, strong and has a hunger for human flesh.
Kevin’s original 23 personalities have been disclosed and witnessed by his psychiatrist Dr Fletcher (Betty Buckley) however his emerging Beast personality threatens to dominate the others.
Compelled to abduct three teenage girls, Kevin is forced into a war with himself and the girls, led by strong, independent and observant Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy).
Gripping and suspenseful, Split is an exciting addition to the Unbreakable film series.
A strong comeback from M. Night Shyamalan with incredible performances by McAvoy’s numerous personalities, Split is a must-see thriller.
And in true Shyamalan style, the end plot twist is worth waiting for (there’s also a teaser for the final installment – Glass).
An almost flawless, psychological thriller, Split reaches excellency in directing, cinematography and acting.
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Siobhan
Shiv's Show 