I'll be honest, I have always had a very mixed view about M. Night Shyamalan. The man has the ability to put out some very original and creative movie premises, that often vary in quality. Some of his movies like Unthinkable and The Sixth Sense are regarded as very popular and well received by both fans and critics alike. While movies lik The Last Airbender and The Visit are films are films that are the polar opposite. Given his most recent take on the horror franchise, I wasn't expecting much out of this film. The trailers didn't get me super hyped up and afterward, I was expecting it to be another horror movie flop.
*SLIGHT SPOILER'S AHEAD*
I was wrong. Split turned out to be a very engaging and original thriller. Storywise, It does appear to be a simple kidnapping horror film plot with the guy having multiple personalities. It's not very original per say, but the main form of the twist comes in on how the 24th personality is the worst of them all, and how he's coming for the girls he took. The way it's told through the story is very well done, and creativity. The pacing is very well done, the film gives time to each of the three main characters to understand each of their motives and who they are. The horror elements do get slightly supernatural or some would say a little comic book like. But I thought they were done very well, and it was believable for the world the movie had set up.
The three central characters have James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb the central antagonist, Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke the central protagonist, and Betty Buckley as Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin's psychologist. I feel as though the entire cast did a fantastic job, they handled their roles with respect and didn't overplay or underplay it all. Although Dr. Karen Fletcher role felt as if it was nothing but a place for exposition for the main plot. But she handled it very well, despite having very little to work with. However, her role ends up taking almost as the same amount of time that was focused on Casey, so it does end up hurting the film to some extent.
Other things I really enjoyed about the film was that of the camera work and of the soundtrack. I felt given the tone, both of these were done beautifully. I loved it so much, it just made the film that much enjoyable. I loved it so much, I've already gone ahead and downloaded the soundtrack.
I'm in love with the film, even more so given the massive twist ending that was present at the end of the film that long time fan of Shyamalan's work is going to love. I'm already planning to see the film again, and I really can't wait. I'm very happy to give the film a 9/10.
