Split (Review)

The wikipedia article for Split says that the film was conceived year before writer/director M. Night Shyamalan wrote the screenplay. James McAvoy was cast as the antagonist in 2015.

Despite this, I think something else happened. I think that in 2016, M. Night saw 10 Cloverfield Lane in theaters and said "I bet I can do that!".

Split isn't great and I'm pretty happy I didn't blow $14 on seeing it in theaters. It's not a really bad movie, but it's a pretty average Shyamalan flick.

Worse than Unbreakable but better than The Last Airbender and way less funny than The Happening.

I don't have much to say other than it feels like a poor man's Cloverfield Lane. Which is unfortunate. Considering the critical reaction and the hype, I expected something a lot more interesting. Even the always entertaining James McAvoy and the stupid-cute Anya Taylor-Joy couldn't save the film. The rest of the actors are fine but really it's the script that lets the movie down.

Surprisingly it doesn't feel long, despite being a two hour movie. But that doesn't make it anymore entertaining.

If you're a Shyamalan's fan or aren't that choosey when it comes to films, then this one will be no different. But if you're looking for a film with some kick, something with a message, or a movie that artistically impressive then Split won't be able to help you.

Without a doubt the most interesting thing about the movie is its connection to Unbreakable, which in my opinion is one of the most unique superhero movies ever made. But it's done Marvel style, with just a one minute scene at the end, so it doesn't really improve the movie, it just connects it to a much better movie.

Wild speculation might suggest that Split/Unbreakable sequel could lead to an X-men style "Unbreakaverse", but let's not get ahead of ourselves.