Introducing Split (2016): A Psychological Thriller Masterpiece

Overview

Split (2016) is a gripping psychological thriller written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, marking a triumphant return to form for the filmmaker known for The Sixth Sense (1999). Released on January 20, 2017, in the United States (following its world premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 26, 2016), the film stars James McAvoy in a tour-de-force performance as Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with dissociative identity disorder (DID) harboring 23 distinct personalities. Produced by Blumhouse Productions and Blinding Edge Pictures with a modest budget of $9 million, Split grossed over $278 million worldwide, becoming a critical and commercial success. With a runtime of 117 minutes and a PG-13 rating, the film blends suspense, horror, and drama, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and survival. Its connection to Shyamalan’s Unbreakable (2000) as part of the “Eastrail 177 Trilogy” adds depth for fans, while its standalone narrative captivates newcomers. Split is celebrated for McAvoy’s transformative acting, Shyamalan’s taut direction, and a chilling twist ending that redefined the filmmaker’s signature style.

Synopsis

Split centers on Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man with DID whose multiple personalities include the childlike Hedwig, the domineering Patricia, and the obsessive-compulsive Dennis. The film opens with Dennis kidnapping three teenage girls—Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy), Claire Benoit (Haley Lu Richardson), and Marcia (Jessica Sula)—from a Philadelphia mall parking lot. The girls awaken in a windowless underground bunker, where they encounter Kevin’s shifting identities, each with distinct mannerisms and motives. As they struggle to escape, they learn of a rumored 24th personality, “The Beast,” a superhuman entity that Kevin’s alters believe will emerge to purge the “impure.”

Parallel to the captives’ ordeal, Kevin’s psychiatrist, Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley), suspects his condition is deteriorating, noting the increasing dominance of Dennis and Patricia, who are orchestrating a ritualistic plan tied to The Beast. Casey, a troubled loner with a traumatic past revealed through flashbacks, uses her resilience and empathy to connect with Kevin’s kinder alters, particularly Hedwig, in hopes of survival. The film weaves tense cat-and-mouse sequences with psychological depth, exploring Casey’s own history of abuse and Kevin’s fractured psyche. As The Beast begins to manifest, exhibiting inhuman strength and ferocity, the stakes escalate, leading to a harrowing climax where Casey confronts the limits of her courage. The final scene, set in a diner, reveals a shocking connection to Unbreakable, setting the stage for the trilogy’s conclusion in Glass (2019). The tagline, “Kevin has 23 distinct personalities. The 24th is about to be unleashed,” encapsulates the film’s suspenseful premise and psychological intrigue.

Cast and Characters

Split boasts a stellar cast, with McAvoy’s performance as the centerpiece:

• James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb: McAvoy delivers a career-defining portrayal, seamlessly switching between personalities like the menacing Dennis, the matronly Patricia, the nine-year-old Hedwig, and the cultured Barry. His physicality and vocal shifts make each alter distinct, earning widespread acclaim.
• Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke: In her breakout role, Taylor-Joy plays a withdrawn teen whose traumatic past equips her to navigate Kevin’s volatile alters. Her nuanced performance balances vulnerability and strength, marking her as a rising star (The Witch, The Queen’s Gambit).
• Betty Buckley as Dr. Karen Fletcher: The empathetic psychiatrist, Fletcher provides insight into Kevin’s condition while racing to intervene. Buckley (Carrie) brings warmth and gravitas to a key supporting role.
• Haley Lu Richardson as Claire Benoit: A popular high schooler, Claire’s assertiveness contrasts Casey’s introversion. Richardson (The Edge of Seventeen) adds depth to a smaller role.
• Jessica Sula as Marcia: The third captive, Marcia’s fear drives early escape attempts. Sula (Skins) contributes to the trio’s dynamic, though her role is less developed.
• Supporting Cast: Sebastian Arcelus and Neal Huff appear as Casey’s father and uncle in flashbacks, while Brad William Henke plays her uncle John in the present. Cameos include M. Night Shyamalan as a security guard and Bruce Willis as David Dunn in the final scene, tying the film to Unbreakable.

Production Details

Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Split was a passion project funded through a self-financed deal with Blumhouse Productions, allowing Shyamalan creative control after mixed reception to films like The Happening (2008). Inspired by real-life DID cases, including the story of Billy Milligan, Shyamalan crafted a narrative that balances psychological realism with thriller elements, consulting experts to portray DID sensitively, though some critics debated its accuracy. Filming took place in Philadelphia in late 2015, using local sites like the Philadelphia Zoo and abandoned warehouses to create the bunker’s claustrophobic setting. The $9 million budget prioritized performances and practical effects, with minimal CGI for The Beast’s physical feats.

Cinematographer Mike Gioulakis (It Follows) used tight framing and muted colors to enhance tension, while editor Luke Ciarrocchi kept the pacing brisk, amplifying McAvoy’s personality switches. The score by West Dylan Thordson, Shyamalan’s first collaboration with the composer, blends eerie strings and percussive beats, heightening suspense. The film’s PG-13 rating, achieved by toning down violence and nudity, broadened its appeal while retaining intensity. Produced by Shyamalan, Jason Blum, and Marc Bienstock, Split was distributed by Universal Pictures, leveraging Blumhouse’s low-budget, high-return model.

Reception and Critical Response

Split was a critical and commercial triumph, earning a 77% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 315 reviews (6.8/10 average) and a 62/100 on Metacritic from 47 critics, indicating “generally favorable” reviews. Critics hailed McAvoy’s “dazzling” performance, with The New York Times calling him “a one-man acting masterclass” and Variety praising his “virtuosic” shifts. Shyamalan’s direction was lauded for its “lean, muscular” suspense, with Rolling Stone noting his return to “Sixth Sense-level storytelling.” The film’s twist ending, linking it to Unbreakable, thrilled audiences, though some felt it overshadowed Casey’s arc.

Negative reviews criticized the portrayal of DID as sensationalized, with mental health advocates arguing it reinforced stereotypes, despite Shyamalan’s intent to dramatize rather than stigmatize. Some found the script’s pacing uneven, particularly in Dr. Fletcher’s expository scenes. Audience reception was enthusiastic, with a B+ CinemaScore and 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film grossed $138.1 million domestically and $278.5 million worldwide, ranking as 2017’s ninth-highest-grossing film. On X (then Twitter), fans praised McAvoy’s “insane” performance and the “mind-blowing” twist, with hashtags like #SplitMovie trending post-release. The film’s cultural impact included memes of Hedwig’s dance and renewed interest in Unbreakable.

Plot and Themes

Split is a psychological thriller that explores trauma, identity, and the mind’s resilience. Kevin’s DID, rooted in childhood abuse, reflects the film’s central theme: trauma shapes identity, for better or worse. Casey’s parallel backstory, revealed through flashbacks of abuse by her uncle, mirrors Kevin’s pain, creating a subtle bond that informs her survival strategy. The concept of The Beast—born from Kevin’s alters believing in superhuman potential—touches on the power of belief to alter reality, a recurring Shyamalan motif (Unbreakable, Signs). The film also examines societal judgment, as Casey’s introversion and scars mark her as an outsider, paralleling Kevin’s marginalization.

Shyamalan balances suspense with empathy, portraying Kevin as both villain and victim, though the DID depiction sparked debate for implying violence. Casey’s arc, from passive survivor to active resistor, offers a feminist lens, with her trauma empowering rather than defining her. The Philadelphia setting, a Shyamalan staple, grounds the fantastical elements in a gritty urban reality. The Unbreakable connection, revealed in the diner scene, expands the narrative into a shared universe, exploring superhumanity’s psychological roots. The film’s twist-heavy structure and moral ambiguity make it a compelling study of human complexity.

Release and Availability

Split premiered at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, on September 26, 2016, with a wide theatrical release on January 20, 2017, via Universal Pictures. It played on 3,199 screens at its peak, closing with $138.1 million domestically after 17 weeks. Internationally, it earned $140.3 million, with strong performances in the UK and Mexico. The film is available for streaming on Peacock Premium, Starz, or for rent/purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and YouTube. Blu-ray and DVD editions, released on April 18, 2017, include deleted scenes and featurettes on McAvoy’s performance. Its PG-13 rating, for “disturbing thematic content and behavior, violence, and some language,” suits teens and adults, though parental guides note intense scenes and implied abuse.

Marketing and Anticipation

The marketing campaign for Split emphasized McAvoy’s multifaceted performance and Shyamalan’s return to thrillers. The first trailer, released in July 2016, showcased McAvoy’s personality switches and the girls’ captivity, generating buzz for its creepy tone. Posters featuring McAvoy’s fragmented face and the tagline reinforced the DID premise. Universal’s promotion avoided revealing the Unbreakable connection, preserving the twist. Social media campaigns, including Twitter posts from Shyamalan, built hype, with early screenings at Fantastic Fest sparking positive word-of-mouth. Fans on X expressed excitement for Shyamalan’s comeback, with one post calling it “his best since Signs.” The film’s January release, typically a quiet period, maximized its box office dominance, outpacing xXx: Return of Xander Cage.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Split revitalized Shyamalan’s career, proving his ability to craft compelling, low-budget thrillers after a string of disappointments (After Earth, The Last Airbender). Its success paved the way for Glass (2019), completing the Eastrail 177 Trilogy, though Glass received mixed reviews (37% on Rotten Tomatoes). McAvoy’s performance remains a benchmark for portraying DID in film, influencing discussions about mental health representation, despite controversy. Taylor-Joy’s breakout role launched her into stardom, with Split often cited as a pivotal moment in her career.

The film’s cultural footprint includes its twist ending, which sparked debates about shared cinematic universes, predating the MCU’s dominance. Memes of Hedwig’s “et cetera” catchphrase and dance went viral, while the term “The Beast” entered pop culture lexicon. On Reddit and X, fans continue to dissect the Unbreakable connection and Casey’s arc, with Split ranking high in Shyamalan retrospectives. Its influence is seen in later psychological thrillers like Ma (2019), and its exploration of trauma resonates in contemporary cinema. Despite DID portrayal critiques, the film’s empathetic lens on survivors keeps it relevant.

Conclusion

Split (2016) is a masterful psychological thriller that showcases M. Night Shyamalan’s storytelling prowess and James McAvoy’s extraordinary versatility. With Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout performance, taut suspense, and a game-changing twist, the film redefines the genre while laying the groundwork for the Eastrail 177 Trilogy. Its exploration of trauma, identity, and resilience, set against a chilling Philadelphia backdrop, captivates audiences, despite debates over its DID depiction. A critical and commercial triumph, Split remains a standout in Shyamalan’s filmography, offering a thrilling, thought-provoking experience for fans of psychological horror and character-driven drama. Whether you’re drawn to McAvoy’s mesmerizing alters, Taylor-Joy’s quiet strength, or Shyamalan’s signature twists, Split is a cinematic gem that demands to be seen.