Review of Split (2017) by Michael S — 29 Apr 2017

"Split" is an intensely realized thriller that pulls the rug out from under you every time you think you have it pegged as competent genre fare. It's more than that... and over it's two-hour running time defies your expectations with dark, complex drama and unexpected emotional weight.

Basically Shyamalan is back, with the kind of quality Horror-hybrid that made him a household name way back before films like "The Village" and "Lady in the Water" hampered his credibility (and ones like "The Last Airbender" and "After Earth" made him a viral laughing stock).

Equally credible in SPLIT's success is James McAvoy, who is let loose in a multifaceted, titular-phenomenon of screen acting that will likely go down as his best moment. Relative newcomer Anya Taylor- Joy (terrific in last year's THE WITCH) holds her own in yet another terrific, mature turn.

But the story of the hour is M. Night, and whether or not he can keep this newly minted success going. I'm hopeful he can. SPLIT's final moments hint at a future of surprise, indulgence, and awesome as far as his filmography is concerned.

Bring it on.