Review: Split

(impawards.com)

Rest my troubled heart. After the release of The Bye Bye Man last week, I was slightly worried about the state of horror in 2017. As the first major horror release of the year, it definitely did not set things off on the right foot. From its shaky storyline to a bountiful supply of disappointing "scares," The Bye Bye Man made an early bid for the worst theatrical-release horror movie of the year and possibly set the tone, however with the release of Split, the board may be reset yet. 

Split gives horror veteran, M. Night Shamaylan, a strong, star-studded follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2015 film, The Visit. Split stars James McAvoy (X Men: First Class) as Kevin, a man diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) coping with 23 identities and a possibly dangerous 24th; an omnipresent monster-human named "the Beast." Starring alongside him is

newly annointed scream queen, Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch) as Casey and Betty Buckley (Cats) as DID psychiatrist, Dr. Karen Fletcher. The film also features Haley Lu Richardson (The Bronze) as Claire and Jessica Sula (Skins) as Marcia.

Split opens its world at the birthday party of Claire, where Marcia, Claire's best friend and Casey, an outsider welcomed as a "pity invite," later need a ride home. When Kevin as one of his more dangerous personalities named Dennis hijacks their car and knocks the women out, we quickly come to realize that the women are in very real danger. The rest of the film plays out with the three attempting escapes and Dr. Fletcher's consultations with Kevin's Dennis masquerading as fashion designer identity, Barry; all while "the Beast" creeps closer and is later revealed.

 

As good as its plot sounds, Split is a constant and unrelenting gesture of proper suspense and for McAvoy; it is one of his most prominent turns to date. In fact, acting on all corners of the board are stunning. Taylor-Joy is terrific as a broken down possible final girl, and Buckley, Richardson and Sula do amazing in their supporting roles. This group, if assembled again could make any horror movie worthwhile. Whether it’s the strong-headed, but quickly destitute, Claire, the more subtle follower Marcia or Casey speaking, each of the three women seems far more established than any young actress should be. And for veteran Buckley, this film only adds to her extensive repertoire. All of that, piled alongside McAvoy's innate ability to move through different mannerisms and "identities," make every scene great.

 

Split is scary. Shyamalan’s ability to create a film that is terrifying through its sense of overhanging fears, rather than relying on jump scares, is undeniable. While every moment seems to exist only to act as a bridge to the final climax and reveal of "the Beast," Split never halts intrigue. Sure there are multiple attempted escape sequences, but McAvoy's command over the different characters is captivating enough for audiences.

 

Overall, Split deserves every laurel it gets. From each actor to the plot, to the continual train of thrills, Split is indestructible. It's renewed by hope for this year in horror and in this new, revitalized M. Night Shyamalan world, it's a welcome addition. I give it 98 personalities out of 100 and 9 out of 10.