Review of Split (2017) by Rob M — 16 Apr 2017

I enjoyed M. Night Shyamalan's most recent film "Split" as much as his previous success (the delightful comic-goth horror "The Visit.").

Made oh-so-compelling by a riveting performance by the always on-point James McAvoy (when his character is a well-written one in a film equal to his talents) "Split" certainly holds one's attention throughout for something that looked like a standard kidnapping pot-boiler (crossed with "Sybil.").

Lots of close-ups here. Short on "Boo, scared you!" trite tropes. But long on tension...you will wonder for the longest time what's going on here, for what sinister purposes, the fates of those taken hostage by the antagonist.

Betty Buckley certainly was given more of a chance to shine than in "The Happening." As was Taylor-Joy in the (nearly equally) awful "Morgan.".

No need to sit here waiting for a ham-handed twist at the end, although there was an unexpected bit which the Director states was intentional, not just for some light-heart comic effect.

"Split" is not a welcome return to form; "The Visit" claims that honor in spades. But "Split" definitely continues Shyamalan's positive trend of making films that leave one guessing for the longest time, and talking things over afterwards.

If I had any gripes with this, it would be "Kevin's" ultimate motivations for all that he has done; but I suppose being sane I would have a hard time following.