Kevin has many personalities. Some call it an illness or condition; Dr. Fletcher believes it to be an advancement of humanity, in a sense- the mind is powerful, to the point that it can cure or create problems. But what she does not know is that another personality lurks beneath the surface . . . and is about to be unleashed. Is it true that we can become what we believe ourselves to be?
Eighteen years ago, I enjoyed M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable, a kind of superhero tale with profound message. Split is set in the same universe (and Glass is a forthcoming 2019 film that ties them both together). The message here is more difficult to discern (The broken are healed? We are what we believe?), but this is still a powerful film. Shyamalan is the master of suspense, delivering it in a manner that's deeply disturbing yet free of gratuitous sex and violence- the horror is suggested and implied, but not shown; a welcome subtlety in an immoderate age. But I promise, your pulse will pound through the entire film (and my wife refused to watch it; be warned, this is not for all). There were a few loose ends that were unsatisfying- I suspect the sequel will address them. Watch Unbreakable- it's better- and then watch this before checking out Glass in 2019.
Rating: A-
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