I haven't seen an M. Night Shyamalan movie since the director's fall from grace (so The Village was my last - oh wait, I saw the lackluster After Earth too, didn't I?), but his latest had some good buzz, so there I was. Well, Split is indeed a decent thriller, about a man with 23 personalities, the worst of which have recently taken over to release a monstrous 24th identity. James McAvoy gives a grotesque performance, chewing the scenery, but not in a bad way, and The VVitch's Anya Taylor-Joy is his most resourceful captive, a damaged girl who's too wise to let herself be the victim, and tries to manipulate some identities, and fight others. Of course, the premise is total bunk, but this lives in the same kind of world M. Night has presented in other films, where sci-fi and supernatural ideas can manifest. The trailer makes that part of it look dumb, but it's a reduction; it works within the film. But I do feel like the trailer gives away too much. There are some good reveals in the end (I don't want to call them twists lest I get M. Night back on that road to diminishing returns again), but the story beats would generally work better for te audience who has no expectations. Is it time to forgive Shyamalan for the past 10 years? It may be.
I am very surprised at how well this film was received, I must say, however, my experience watching this film was terrible. The narrative this film puts forth in terms of its psychological literacy is not only immensely inaccurate, but potentially harmful and irresponsible. I have very little patience for movies that associate having a psychological illness (such as DID) and gender-non-comforming behaviors with violent, anti-social behaviors. We already live in a society that is stigmatized against mental illnesses, and honestly Hollywood doesn't really help that fact. All social/psychological consciousness aside, there's really no redeeming cinematic quality except as an attempt (an immensely successful one at that) by the director to piggyback on the Marvel movie franchise. McAvoy and Taylor-Joy put forth impressive performances in the film which inevitably end up as only partially realized aspects of a fractured, dissociative film experience.
This movie has above standarts cinematography compared to other thriller movies. And as a whole it is a well executed, nice movie that Shyamalan would be proud to have in his filmography.
Happy to see a return to solid movie making. I know there are some who didn't like this movie but if you enjoyed M Knight's early work then I think you'll definitely enjoy this movie. Good cast, well shot, and creepy as well as suspenseful.
This is a good film made into a great film by how surprisingly good it is and how little expectation I had for it. Hey, look! M. Night can actually make movies worth your time! VERY excited about Glass.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 27
sansan
McAvoy was simply incredible.jamesmcavoy
I did a great job in this.MetalMagnum
Excellent acting in this film, and great use of sound to create suspense. Great psychological thriller.Jashezilla
Welcome back Mr. Shyamalan. You've been missed.Siskoid
I haven't seen an M. Night Shyamalan movie since the director's fall from grace (so The Village was my last - oh wait, I saw the lackluster After Earth too, didn't I?), but his latest had some good buzz, so there I was. Well, Split is indeed a decent thriller, about a man with 23 personalities, the worst of which have recently taken over to release a monstrous 24th identity. James McAvoy gives a grotesque performance, chewing the scenery, but not in a bad way, and The VVitch's Anya Taylor-Joy is his most resourceful captive, a damaged girl who's too wise to let herself be the victim, and tries to manipulate some identities, and fight others. Of course, the premise is total bunk, but this lives in the same kind of world M. Night has presented in other films, where sci-fi and supernatural ideas can manifest. The trailer makes that part of it look dumb, but it's a reduction; it works within the film. But I do feel like the trailer gives away too much. There are some good reveals in the end (I don't want to call them twists lest I get M. Night back on that road to diminishing returns again), but the story beats would generally work better for te audience who has no expectations. Is it time to forgive Shyamalan for the past 10 years? It may be.thestuman101694
I am very surprised at how well this film was received, I must say, however, my experience watching this film was terrible. The narrative this film puts forth in terms of its psychological literacy is not only immensely inaccurate, but potentially harmful and irresponsible. I have very little patience for movies that associate having a psychological illness (such as DID) and gender-non-comforming behaviors with violent, anti-social behaviors. We already live in a society that is stigmatized against mental illnesses, and honestly Hollywood doesn't really help that fact. All social/psychological consciousness aside, there's really no redeeming cinematic quality except as an attempt (an immensely successful one at that) by the director to piggyback on the Marvel movie franchise. McAvoy and Taylor-Joy put forth impressive performances in the film which inevitably end up as only partially realized aspects of a fractured, dissociative film experience.heat_
This movie has above standarts cinematography compared to other thriller movies. And as a whole it is a well executed, nice movie that Shyamalan would be proud to have in his filmography.theorangetimtam
Shyamalan could not have chosen a better lead actor than McAvoy. McAvoy really brought out the full potential in his character and this movie.252
Anya Taylor-Joy's brilliant light outshone by a McAvoy, still rising. Shyamalan redeemed, unbreakably surprising.jerthejerjer
Happy to see a return to solid movie making. I know there are some who didn't like this movie but if you enjoyed M Knight's early work then I think you'll definitely enjoy this movie. Good cast, well shot, and creepy as well as suspenseful.Adrian B AWESOME
This is a good film made into a great film by how surprisingly good it is and how little expectation I had for it. Hey, look! M. Night can actually make movies worth your time! VERY excited about Glass.sqcat
I didn't guess the twist, so it's got that going.Rosenrotta
Decent film et cetera.essaywhu
Was lucky enough to see this in theaters with no spoilers so it was pleasantly surprising that the film becomeschunkylefunga
Decent movie, Shyamalan's best movie in the last 15 years.Would have been a great movie if it had been darker and not dressed up for the hollywoo masses.
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