Split - Movie Review

Summary

In this review, the reviewer praises M. Night Shyamalan’s film *Split*, calling it his best work since *Signs*. The film, starring James McAvoy as a man with 23 personalities, is described as a compelling psychological thriller with standout performances, particularly from McAvoy. The reviewer highlights the film's intense atmosphere, subtle score, and Shyamalan’s trust in the audience. Despite some minor flaws, such as a clunky opening and forced performances from secondary characters, the film’s gripping narrative and excellent direction make it a must-see, earning an A-minus rating. The reviewer also appreciates Shyamalan’s humble and heartfelt speech at the AFI Fest.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shyamalan’s film *Split* is considered his best work since *Signs*, marking a successful return to psychological thrillers.
• 😀 James McAvoy delivers an exceptional performance, playing a character with 23 personalities, each distinct in voice and mannerisms.
• 😀 Ana Taylor-Joy impresses once again with a layered performance, reinforcing her status as one of the most promising young talents.
• 😀 Betty Buckley’s portrayal of the psychologist trying to help McAvoy's character is a standout, with the actress bringing depth to her role.
• 😀 Shyamalan’s direction emphasizes intimate, claustrophobic cinematography, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the film.
• 😀 The film’s score, composed by West Dylan Thorsson, is subtle and effective, building an aura of dread without being overpowering.
• 😀 Shyamalan trusts the audience, providing layers of story and character development that only make sense as the film progresses.
• 😀 Humor is balanced well within the thriller, with moments of levity coming from McAvoy’s different personalities, avoiding discomfort in the process.
• 😀 While the film generally excels, there are some weak moments, including one expositional scene that feels too heavy-handed and forced.
• 😀 The film rewards patient viewers, with its gradual revelations and trust in the audience to piece together its layers of storytelling.
• 😀 *Split* is one of the better January releases and stands out as a solid thriller, with a compelling narrative and strong performances.

Q & A

What is the main theme of 'Split' as discussed in the script?

The main theme of 'Split' revolves around psychological thriller elements, specifically focusing on a man with dissociative identity disorder (DID) who kidnaps three girls. The movie explores the complexities of his multiple personalities and the dynamic between the kidnapped girls and their captor.

How does the review describe M. Night Shyamalan's return with 'Split'?

The review praises Shyamalan's return to form with 'Split,' calling it his best film since 'Signs.' It is described as a thrilling psychological movie that marks a successful comeback for Shyamalan after a series of letdowns following 'The Village.'

Which actor is highlighted as giving an exceptional performance in 'Split'?

James McAvoy is highlighted as giving an exceptional performance. The review describes him as incredibly courageous, fully committed to portraying the different personalities of his character, and delivering one of the best performances of his career.

How does the review describe the character of the psychologist played by Betty Buckley?

Betty Buckley's character, a psychologist, is described as a key figure trying to communicate with McAvoy’s character and understand his dissociative identity disorder. The review praises her for adding depth to the film and bringing a lot to her role, especially considering her previous roles in other Shyamalan films.

What is the role of Ana Taylor-Joy in the film, and how is she described?

Ana Taylor-Joy plays one of the kidnapped girls, and her performance is praised for being layered and captivating. She is described as an exciting talent with great potential, and her character offers much to discover as the film progresses.

How is the cinematography in 'Split' described?

The cinematography is praised for being one of Shyamalan's best. The review emphasizes the brilliantly contained and claustrophobic camera work, as well as superb lighting, creating a visually intense and atmospheric experience.

What is notable about the score of 'Split' according to the review?

The score of 'Split,' composed by West Dylan Thorsson, is described as subtle and effective. It gradually builds an intense aura of dread, with some scenes where the score is almost imperceptible but adds to the film’s tension.

What aspect of the film does the reviewer particularly appreciate about Shyamalan's approach?

The reviewer appreciates Shyamalan's trust in the audience. The film includes elements that won't be fully understood until later, allowing viewers to discover the story and characters at their own pace, which makes the film more impactful upon a second viewing.

What flaws did the reviewer find in 'Split'?

The reviewer points out the forced and sometimes over-the-top performances of the other kidnapped girls, particularly Haley Lou Richardson. The dialogue in the opening scenes is also described as clunky, and there is an exposition-heavy scene involving a Skype conversation about identity disorder, which the reviewer felt could be removed or shortened.

How does the review describe the ending of 'Split'?

The ending of 'Split' is described as one of the reviewer's top two favorite endings of any Shyamalan film, ranking alongside 'The Sixth Sense.' The film builds to an intense finale that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.