Split

Three girls, Casey, Claire, and Marcia (Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jessica Sula) are abducted by a man (James McAvoy) who happens to be wrestling with Multiple Personality Disorder, 24 personalities to be specific. Imprisoned in a strange subterranean catacomb the girls must find their way out, lest they meet the Beast, a personality of their captor that seems to be bent on consuming human flesh. But, everything is not yet lost, some of the personalities the girls encounter can actually be of assistance, trouble is, who’s who and what’s what? Who will walk away? Written and Directed by M. Night Shyamalan this semi-twisty semi-psychological thriller has a number of strong elements, perhaps the strongest is its ensemble. In particular McAvoy’s fragmented portrayal of multiple personalities is as haunting as it is entertaining, and, Taylor-Joy’s pained and brooding teen gives clarity as the two stand as the more principal actors of the ensemble. Sonically disturbing, score by West Dylan Thordson adds further discordant undertones throughout. But, pacing issues within the story seem to raise the boot from the neck of the viewer where further pressure or editing might have made a more impacting ride; regardless, Shyamalan’s classic antics are alive and well received. Split is rated PG-13.