Split Movie Review: Just Phenomenal

I’m going to start off by giving a little bit of background. Personality disorders have always fascinated me. I think it’s absolutely incredible, the way the brain can split itself into what are essentially different people. As much as people who suffer from things like multiple personality disorder struggle with it… I do think it’s an incredible display of just what the brain is actually capable of. This is why I especially liked this movie, because it explores that idea a little bit. The Dr. who was treating the main character looked at it in a similar way I do. With that being said, these are my thoughts on the latest installment of excellent M. Night Shyamalan thrillers.

Plot Overview

As the title would suggest, this movie centers around a man who has a lot of split personalities. 23 to be exact. The really cool thing about these personalities is that they are all aware of all of the other ones. Some of the personalities like each other, and dislike others. Some are good people, others… not so much.

One of the most dominant personalities kidnaps three girls. He keeps them in a decent enough room with beds and a bathroom, and doesn’t hurt them. He hints a little bit at some sort of higher purpose for them – but he is very vague.

The girls slowly start to figure out that he becomes multiple people, and the smartest of the three begins trying to talk to some of the kinder personalities.

The movie follows the three girls as they try to figure out exactly what they need to do – while simultaneously focusing on the man’s doctor, who is extremely invested in helping people with these disorders. She strongly believes that these personality disorders could be the key to the true power of the brain. She believes that the different personalities are more than just an imbalance in the brain. She looks at them as actual people and pushes for others to believe in them the same way she does.

She sees them this way because of the distinct and dramatic differences they have from the others. That, and the physical differences as well. For example – only one of his personalities is diabetic and needs to take insulin. Some personalities are physically stronger than others… and his body literally conforms and changes as the different personalities take control.

This movie is not only an exciting, intense, creepy thriller, but it also takes on a heavy subject, and explores things on a deeper level. It grabs you and keeps hold of you in more ways and for more reasons than one.

Amazing Acting

I’m not a professional critic or anything, but I personally think some of the acting here was incredible. James McAvoy (main character Kevin) was essentially playing several different characters, and he did a really good job. There were several scenes where we actually see him switch from one personality to another, and he totally nails it. The subtle changes in his face, body language, and even demeanor were perfectly executed and so believable.

Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley put on strong performances as Dr. Fletcher and Casey Cook – the smartest of the abducted girls.

Another thing I really liked about this movie is the fairly small cast. I’ve said this many times before – I’m a huge fan of small casts. It allows for better character development and it often gives the viewer a more in-depth understanding of each character and their backstories, motivations, etc.

However, this also makes a movie more vulnerable if the actors don’t deliver. Split certainly delivered in this area though. I honestly can’t even say enough about how amazing this movie is.

Lots of Interesting Ideas

I touched on this a little bit before when going over the plot, but Dr. Fletcher has some really amazing ideas about the reality of people with these types of personality disorders, and they are ones that I actually really agree with and appreciate.

Despite the doubts of most of the people around her, she maintains that her patients and people like them are not less than the rest of us – but perhaps even more. She suggests that their brains are even more powerful than that of a “regular” person.

If you really think about it, it makes sense. We all know that the brain is powerful – obviously. But the fact that some brains can actually split themselves into two, three, or more  individual personalities is honestly incredible. Of course, it makes the lives of these individuals difficult, and they will generally need counseling and medication, etc. But it’s also quite remarkable, and the way I see it, if there are brains that can do this… what else is possible?

Many people say that the ending is unrealistic and far-fetched. I’ll admit it does get a tad science fictiony (not going to spoil anything if you haven’t seen it) but at the same time… who’s to say it’s not possible?

Conclusion

Not only was this movie really incredible, but it hit home for me in an interesting kind of way. Personality disorders and similar things have always fascinated me to no end, and the beliefs of Dr. Fletcher are very much in line with my own.

Personal attachments aside though, it really is a very solid movie. The ending does go a little off the track and go down a bit of a fantastical path, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that! I thoroughly enjoyed Split. I saw it in the theaters two times within a week, and I think it’s going to become one of those movies that I watch over and over again for a long time.

Have you seen Split? What do you think about the ending? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Want to Watch?

Split is now available for purchase on Amazon: