Review of 'Split' (M. Night Shyamalan)
A creepy example of the twisted human mind.
'Split' belongs to the genre of movies that you need to comment or criticize with someone just after leaving the cinema. It takes a closer look at the 'creepy everyday' (apparently normal people hidding something extraordinary), of which Shyamalan is a master. His exercise in showing us what the human mind is capable of can not leave anyone indifferent. Filmed in a dark and tense atmosphere (the scenes of interiors are predominant), an atmosphere that retracts us in some way to that of 'Psycho' or 'The Silence of the Lambs'. The film sails between the present and the past, playing with successful flashbacks that help the viewer to better understand the behaviors of certain characters.
'Split' owes almost all of its dramatic weight to the formidable performance of James McAvoy as a disturbed human being with multiple personalities. A dreamed role by any actor, in which he displays all his records brilliantly, with the help of many close-ups. Also worthy of mention is the work of the young actress Anya Taylor-Joy, a contained but extremely effective performance.
With a rapid and forceful beginning and a suitable rhythm, according to the depth and evolution of the plot, the film also stands out for its psychological background, regarding the dilemma between considering the mentally ill people simply that (patients needing treatment) or considering them geniuses in some way, whose potential needs to be developed and who would deserve to be paid more attention.
With 'Split', the Indian-American director also portrays the crucial influence of adults' actions on the lives of children in their care, conditioning their future personality for better or for worse. This is another key point of the film.
As a weak point, it is worth mentioning a certain predictability of the script in some moments, more than offset by the interesting resolution of the situations faced by the characters.
Shyamalan leaves the door open to a sequel (SPOILER ALERT) and, to be honest, we are all wanting for more. Good symptom.
Ranking: 4/5