Split (2017) Review

 Split is directed by M. Night Shyamalan and follows three girls: Casey (Anya Taylor Joy)... and I can't remember the other girls names, as they are kidnapped by a man with 23 different personalities (James McAvoy), who is on a mission to unlock his 24th personality- The Beast. While the girls try to escape, his psychiatrist (Betty Buckley) senses that something is wrong and tries to unravel what he's up to before it's too late. 

This is a slow burn thriller. A lot of tension and a lot of build up. It's mostly interesting, putting together the pieces of the puzzle and learning why the girls have been kidnapped. Flashbacks to Casey's childhood help to flesh out her character and although seeming a bit boring and irrelevant, they do pay off at the end. There are some parts of the film though that drag, where the story almost comes to a complete standstill, but the performances of the two leads are good enough to keep it interesting. McAvoy's performance is a bit over the top at times, to distinguish between his different identities, but overall it's entertaining. He transitions between comic and sinister characters with ease and had wonderful chemistry with co star Anya Taylor Joy. Her performance was great. More nuanced than McAvoys, but very emotional and convincing- especially for an actress her age. 

The film loses it's way towards the end, when the build up finally pays off and McAvoy becomes 'The Beast'. I'll accept the idea that his different identities can have different physiologies and abilities, but the beast's almost supernatural abilities are just a bit too unrealistic. He appears crawling up walls, with veins bulging and superhuman strength and, the film just loses it's realism. There is a scene at the end, that kind of accounts for how his abilities are possible- but I still wasn't a fan. 

This is the best M. Night Shyamalan film in a long time. If The Visit was a sign that he was heading in the right direction, then this is proof that he's back on track as a director. It does drag in parts, but the excellent performances from James McAvoy and Anya Taylor Joy keep it entertaining most of the time, and the slow tension building makes it a very effective thriller. Oh, and if you're a fan of Unbreakable then you'll really appreciate the last 5 minutes of this film.

6/10