Split (2017)

User Review

• 

  TheReelBurke

  9 / 10

  Anya Taylor-Joy gives a great performance as Casey. The way each of the girls reacts to their abduction and the decisions they make in attempts to escape showcases the different personalities of each character. McAvoy shines in an Oscar caliber performance. His portrayal of the different personalities of Kevin each with their own traits and physicalities and his seamless transition between each of the personalities without pulling you out of the film is captivating. He is able to juxtapose the coldness and sinisterness of "Dennis" and "Miss Patricia" to the warmth and innocence of "Barry" and "Hedwig" in a way that feels believable. While the tone of the film is mostly serious there are a few moments that provide levity, particularly in the scenes with Casey and "Hedwig".
  
  I felt there was only one major misstep in the film. Throughout the film the are flashbacks to the used to explain the past of Casey. While they are needed, the flashbacks feel like they were thrown into random places and stall the momentum of the film. A minor thing that pulled me out of the film was Neal Huff's portrayal of Claire's father. His character fell flat and felt wooden and awkward, but he was only in about maybe a minute and a half of the film.
  
  This film was a return to form for Shyamalan. The direction, cinematography, and score were all used masterfully to create the feeling of suspense and desperation, and pull the audience into the world Shyamalan built. By far Shyamalan's best movie since Signs, Split feels like it was one of those December limited release Oscar-bait films. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my favorite films of the year.

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