Split

| 2016

Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

Main Plot

Split follows the story of Kevin, a man with dissociative identity disorder who harbors 23 distinct personalities within him. Each personality has its own unique traits and behaviors, but the emergence of a new, more sinister identity known as "The Beast" poses a significant threat. Kevin kidnaps three teenage girls, intending to use them as part of a ritualistic plan orchestrated by The Beast. As the girls attempt to escape, they must navigate the complexities of Kevin's various personalities, some of which are more sympathetic and others more dangerous. Meanwhile, a therapist who specializes in dissociative identity disorder tries to understand Kevin's condition and the implications of his multiple identities. The film explores themes of trauma, identity, and the struggle for survival as the girls confront the terrifying reality of their captor's fractured psyche.

Characters

  • James McAvoy plays Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with multiple personalities who kidnaps three girls, revealing his dangerous alter ego, "The Beast."
  • Anya Taylor-Joy plays Casey Cooke, a resourceful and resilient teenager who is kidnapped and must outsmart her captor to survive.
  • Haley Lu Richardson plays Claire Benoit, a high school student who is kidnapped and held captive by a man with multiple personalities.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Split, the film culminates in a tense confrontation between Kevin, who has multiple personalities, and his captives, Claire and Marcia. After a harrowing escape attempt, the girls find themselves in a hidden underground lair where Kevin's most dangerous personality, the Beast, emerges. The Beast exhibits superhuman strength and agility, posing a significant threat to the girls. As the climax unfolds, Kevin's personalities clash, particularly with the more empathetic ones, leading to a moment of vulnerability. Claire and Marcia manage to exploit this vulnerability, attempting to appeal to Kevin's humanity. However, the Beast ultimately overpowers them, showcasing the film's exploration of trauma and identity. In the final moments, the narrative shifts to a diner where a character recognizes Kevin's actions as part of a larger pattern of violence associated with his condition. This revelation connects Split to the broader universe of Unbreakable, hinting at a shared reality where superhuman abilities stem from psychological trauma. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of ambiguity, questioning the nature of good and evil, and setting the stage for potential future developments in the story. The film concludes with a chilling reminder of the complexities of the human psyche.

M. Night Shyamalan Horror Thriller James McAvoy Anya Taylor-Joy Haley Lu Richardson