Do yourself a favor and go to “Split” during the day. Walking to your car after the thriller could provide the biggest jolt of all.
In the opening, a man with multiple personalities jumps into a car, kidnaps three girls and takes them to his basement lair.
There, they meet a handful of his more than 20 identities, some nicer than others.
While the three try to figure out how to escape, the man (James McAvoy) meets with his therapist (Betty Buckley), a woman who may have a clue something is awry.
Like “Psycho” and other thrillers about those with dissociative identity disorder, “Split” keeps shifting its foundation, making it difficult for any of the three able to figure out how to deal with him.
One, however, has had experience with a relative who abused her, making the challenge a bit less daunting.
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Hedwig, the 9-year-old identity, holds promise, particularly since he isn’t afraid to tell on the others. Yet what about Barry, the flamboyant designer? Or Dennis? Or Kevin?
McAvoy is able to make each distinct and fully realized. One might be more imposing than another, but all are complex. McAvoy gets an acting showcase – and he doesn’t waste it.
Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan doesn’t skimp on details, either. He shows the calm girl, Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), learning how to deal with a threatening animal in the woods. She was taught to face her stalker, pull back and pounce. The advice serves her well in this setting. The other two (Jessica Sula and Haley Lu Richardson) have more typical responses. They search for escape routes and tools that could end the imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the therapist works her hunches before deciding to visit her patient.
Shyamalan keeps the suspense going (where, indeed, are the girls?) and tweaks McAvoy’s personalities whenever interest appears to wane.
When “the beast” arrives, everyone seems powerless. That is, of course, until Casey finds files on his computer and figures out what she needs to track her prey.
Shyamalan has moments that suggest “10 Cloverfield Lane” and his own “Sixth Sense.” But this isn’t a typical horror film or a predictable mystery. It’s a medical drama wrapped up in something more.
Had this arrived later in the year, McAvoy could easily be considered for next year’s Best Actor Oscar. He’s very controlled, extremely detailed. When he switches from one personality to another (in seconds), the transformation is complete and believable.
Shyamalan throws a curve to those who have been loyal to his career and, possibly, sets himself up for a sequel.
By itself, though, “Split” is very much a whole film. It’ll scare the popcorn out of you and make you wary of talking to anyone, no matter where your car happens to be parked.
