SPLIT (2017)

Summary:

Split is a psychological horror thriller film that delves into the fractured mind of Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man afflicted with dissociative identity disorder (DID). He harbors 23 distinct personalities, but a dominant, malevolent 24th personality, known as "The Beast," is beginning to emerge. The film follows three teenage girls – Casey Cooke, Claire Benoit, and Marcia – who are abducted by one of Kevin's personalities and held captive in an underground lair. As they desperately try to escape, they must navigate the complex and dangerous landscape of Kevin's multiple identities, each with their own unique traits, motives, and even physical attributes.

The narrative skillfully intertwines the girls' harrowing struggle for survival with the efforts of Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin's psychiatrist, who believes in the profound potential of DID, suggesting that certain personalities can manifest physiological changes. As the girls attempt to manipulate and understand their captor's various personas, the film builds intense suspense, culminating in a terrifying confrontation with the supernatural-like "Beast." Split explores themes of trauma, survival, and the extraordinary power of the human mind, while also serving as a stealth sequel to M. Night Shyamalan's earlier film, Unbreakable.

Keywords: Split, 2017, James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, M. Night Shyamalan, Psychological Thriller, Horror, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Kidnapping.

Plot:

The film opens with Claire Benoit's birthday party, where she and her friend Marcia are being driven home by Claire's father. At the last minute, Claire invites Casey Cooke, an introverted and troubled classmate, to join them. As the three girls sit in the car, a mysterious man, Kevin Wendell Crumb, enters the vehicle, incapacitates Claire's father, and abducts the girls. They awaken in a sealed, windowless room, terrified and confused. Their captor soon reveals himself to be Dennis, one of Kevin's 23 personalities, characterized by his obsessive-compulsive need for order and cleanliness. Dennis explains that they are "sacred food" for a coming entity.

As the days pass, the girls encounter various personalities inhabiting Kevin's body. They meet Patricia, a prim and severe woman, and Hedwig, a nine-year-old boy. Hedwig, being the most childlike and seemingly vulnerable, becomes a target for the girls' manipulation. Casey, with her history of trauma and keen observational skills, quickly realizes that they are dealing with a person suffering from dissociative identity disorder (DID). She attempts to appeal to Hedwig, promising him a chocolate bar if he helps them escape. Hedwig, eager for candy, briefly opens a door, allowing Marcia to make a run for it, but she is quickly recaptured by Dennis.

Meanwhile, Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin's psychiatrist, becomes increasingly concerned about her patient. She has been treating Kevin for years and is aware of his 23 personalities, each residing in "the light," a metaphorical control room for his body. She believes that individuals with DID can exhibit physiological changes corresponding to their dominant personality, a theory often dismissed by her colleagues. Dr. Fletcher receives an urgent email from "Barry," one of Kevin's more artistic and sociable personalities, indicating that the more dangerous personalities – Dennis, Patricia, and Hedwig (collectively known as "The Horde") – have taken over and are suppressing the others, including Barry. Barry's email warns of their belief in a 24th personality, "The Beast," which is believed to be emerging.

Casey's flashbacks throughout the film reveal her own traumatic past: her uncle, whom she lives with, has been sexually abusing her since childhood. These fragmented memories explain her quiet demeanor, her resourcefulness, and her unusual ability to remain calm under extreme pressure. She recognizes the patterns of abuse and control, giving her a unique perspective on her captor's fractured mind. She understands that direct confrontation might be futile, and manipulation is their only hope. She tries to use Hedwig's innocence, asking him to play a game with her, during which she tries to steal his keys. This attempt is thwarted by Patricia, who scolds Hedwig for his recklessness.

Dr. Fletcher arranges a meeting with Kevin, intending to bring Barry back to the light. However, she encounters Dennis, who is impersonating Barry. During their session, Dennis subtly reveals details about the girls, particularly mentioning their "purity." Dr. Fletcher, noticing inconsistencies in his behavior and speech, becomes suspicious. She visits Kevin's apartment and finds a hidden room, discovering a drawing of the girls and a recording device. She listens to a message from the suppressed personalities, confirming The Horde's control and their plan to bring forth The Beast by sacrificing the girls.

Back in captivity, Claire attempts to escape through a ventilation shaft but is caught by Dennis. He separates the girls, taking Claire to another room. Marcia also tries to escape and is subsequently confronted by Dennis. The Beast then fully emerges, a towering, physically transformed personality with immense strength, speed, and seemingly impenetrable skin. He kills Claire, brutally snapping her spine, and then attacks Marcia. Dr. Fletcher, having rushed back to Kevin's lair, finds Claire's body and is confronted by The Beast. She tries to reason with him, calling out to Kevin, but The Beast dismisses her, stating that Kevin is dead. He then crushes her to death.

Casey, still locked in her room, manages to escape after finding a shotgun and ammunition hidden in a closet. She stumbles upon Dr. Fletcher's dying body and takes her keys, discovering the layout of the underground facility. She encounters The Beast, who pursues her relentlessly. During the chase, Casey fires the shotgun at The Beast, but the bullets barely faze him, confirming his superhuman abilities. She hides in a cage, but The Beast eventually corners her. As he prepares to kill her, he notices the self-inflicted scars on her body – a result of her past abuse. The Beast pauses, recognizing her "brokenness" and "purity," believing that those who have suffered are stronger and more worthy. He declares, "The broken are the more evolved."

The Beast spares Casey, disappearing into the shadows. Police sirens are heard, and Casey is rescued. She is found by officers, still holding the shotgun. Her uncle arrives, pretending to be concerned, but Casey looks at him with a newfound strength and resolve, refusing his embrace. The final scene takes place in a diner, where news reports discuss the mysterious "Horde" and their crimes. A patron observes that the situation reminds her of another villain from years ago, a man in a wheelchair. David Dunn (Bruce Willis), the protagonist from Unbreakable, sits at the counter. He calmly states, "They called him Mr. Glass." This revelation firmly establishes Split as a sequel within a shared universe, setting the stage for future events.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb / The Horde / The Beast
• Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke
• Betty Buckley as Dr. Karen Fletcher
• Jessica Sula as Claire Benoit
• Haley Lu Richardson as Marcia

Crew:

• Director: M. Night Shyamalan
• Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
• Producers: M. Night Shyamalan, Jason Blum, Marc Bienstock
• Cinematography: Mike Gioulakis
• Editor: Luke Ciarrocchi
• Music by: West Dylan Thordson

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: January 20, 2017 (United States)
• Language: English
• Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror
• Running Time: 117 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for various awards, including Best Thriller Film at the Saturn Awards. James McAvoy received critical acclaim for his performance.