Split

M. Night Shyamalan's 2016 psychological thriller, Split, delves into the mind of a complex and enigmatic character, Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man plagued by a multitude of identities. Kevin's psyche is a labyrinth of 23 distinct personalities, each with its own distinct characteristics, biases, and inclinations. These subverted personas, born from the trauma of childhood abuse, have been carefully managed by Kevin with the guidance of his psychiatrist, Dr. Karen Fletcher. As the story unfolds, Dr. Fletcher becomes increasingly suspicious that there might be one more, an unidentified personality lurking in the shadows. Dubbed "The Beast," this secretive identity, prone to violent and aggressive outbursts, poses a danger not only to Kevin himself but also to those close to him and to those he encounters. The tension builds as the audience is invited to speculate about the identity and intentions of The Beast. Meanwhile, a confrontation with three teenage girls - Horde, Claire, and Marcia - sets off a chain reaction that ultimately leads to the unraveling of Kevin's carefully crafted facade. The trio, comprising Casey Cooke, a sharp and independent-minded student, and her friends, find themselves trapped in an eerie, decaying basement, forced to confront the tormented souls that inhabit Kevin's fractured psyche. Upon closer examination, each of the teenage girls showcases distinct personalities, with their observations and reactions sparking memories and reactions from Kevin's buried personalities. The juxtaposition of these disparate groups highlights the resilience and fortitude found within each; both within the encaged personalities, as well as those closest to them. In the aftermath of the assault, Claire attempts to form a bond with The Beast but struggles to maintain ties due to her fear as she, seemingly attempts to defy her primal emotions and maintain humanistic ties. Her genuine sympathy is a stark contrast to the hardened demeanor adopted by Casey, who resorts to intense self-reliance to cope with her confinement. Throughout the unfolding events, Dr. Fletcher, though worried about Kevin's increasing instability, tries her best to get to the bottom of this escalating concern, but time appears to be running out. As the shroud of uncertainty deepens, her efforts only remind Kevin of the depths of disregard experienced in his past childhood events. As tensions escalate, and personalities jockey for power, Kevin becomes increasingly prone to lapses in control. His desperate attempts to manage and accommodate his numerous personalities strain the thin thread of his sanity, culminating in calamitious events that threaten to engulf everyone in their path. Ultimately, it is Casey's fortitude and courage that becomes a defining trait, one that resonates on both a pragmatic and emotional level, not only in her fight against an unforeseen enemy, but also in confronting the painful secrets obscured from her own past. The unyielding resilience displayed by the trio enables them to provide support as the invisible web surrounding Kevin unravels. Split can be seen as both a narrative rich in symbolic subtext, but one that is solidly grounded in reality. It is an intense and suspenseful ride, propelled by the unsettling performance of James McAvoy, whose versatility allows him to explore various shades of the tortured and tormented Kevin Crumb, masterfully conveying a riveting performance. This, as Dr. Fletcher becomes increasingly appalled by Kevin's apparent inability to return to his default state, Kevin ultimately addresses his unseen identity, confronting the scars of a traumatic past in a scenario both brutal and devastating. In doing so, Split reveals itself as a nuanced reflection on trauma and resilience.