Split

Split is a gripping and chilling psychological horror film that was released in 2016, directed and written by M. Night Shyamalan. The movie stars James McAvoy in the lead role, alongside a strong supporting cast which includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jessica Sula.

The film pivots around the theme of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, a complex and debated psychological condition that has been explored in considerable detail. The lead character, Kevin, played by McAvoy, is skillfully portrayed as having 23 distinct personalities in one body, each one with its unique traits, accent, and demeanor. The narrative focuses on dramatizing the mental struggles that come along with DID, including the fluctuating power dynamics among these personalities.

A kidnapping plot sets up the story of the movie in which three teenage girls, Casey, Claire, and Marcia, are abducted by Kevin after a birthday party. These girls are then held captive in an undisclosed location, throwing the viewer into an insidious tale of survival, manipulation and mind-boggling reality. The narrative unveils as the girls plan their escape while navigating Kevin’s shifting personalities.

The film infuses thriller elements along with psychological depth to create an intense, unsettling atmosphere. Bracing and suspenseful scenarios intertwine with thought-provoking psychological intricacies throughout the movie. Although the movie deals with abduction, it distinctively deviates from the cliché of focusing solely on the brutal aspects of imprisonment and instead puts a major emphasis on the intricate complexities of the captor's mind.

James McAvoy's performance as Kevin W. Crumb is indeed the jewel in the crown. He masterfully portrays the various personalities with conviction, transitioning seamlessly from one personality to another. Each personality is distinctive, and McAvoy's versatility gives credible depth to the characters. Taylor-Joy, as the unyielding and clever Casey, also delivers a strong performance that works in tandem with McAvoy's exceptional portrayal.

Split raises many profound questions about the human psyche, identity and survival. The film does not shy away from engaging with sensitive subjects such as childhood trauma, capturing the devastation and long-term psychological impact caused by early-life adversities. In parallel, it manages to retain the tension by keeping the viewers engrossed in the twisted game of survival that the kidnapped girls are forced to play. It truly is an intense exploration of human resilience and coping mechanisms when faced with extreme situations.

The commendable direction by M. Night Shyamalan intertwines the psychological aspects with the thrilling sequences effortlessly. Shyamalan also emphasizes a lot on visual storytelling, using cinematography to enhance the narrative and bring out the intricacies of the stories and characters. The camera work is spellbinding and appropriately uncomfortable, often allowing the audience to feel as confined as the girls constantly do.

The dialogue and script add layers to the storyline, combining elements of suspense and horror with deep-seated scars from the past. Each scene is constructed and paced with precision, generating an unnerving anticipation that continues to build. The atmospheric score further elevates the tension, creating a sense of suspense and dread with its dissonant tones.

The film scrutinizes and studies the theme of identity meticulously, specifically a dissociative identity disorder, embedding it into a gripping and terrifying narrative. However, it's worth mentioning that Split, in no way, is a clinical or accurate portrayal of this mental disorder, rather, it uses the concept as a narrative tool to heighten the complexity and suspense of the plotline.

Overall, Split is a highly compelling film that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intense pacing, well-crafted characters, and relentless suspense that continues to build with each scene. It's a film that thrives on unpredictability, psychological insights, and formidable performances, too suspenseful to look away from and too involving to forget. A must-watch for those who love a good psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.