Split Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude with identity issues kidnaps some girls to impress his imaginary friend who thinks scars are cool.

🍿 Split: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Kidnapping and Initial Imprisonment

Three teenage girls, Casey, Claire, and Marcia, are kidnapped by a man named Kevin, who suffers from dissociative identity disorder (DID). He imprisons them in an underground bunker, where they quickly realize their captor exhibits multiple distinct personalities. The girls must navigate these personalities in an attempt to find a way to escape.

Exploring Kevin’s Personalities

Kevin’s psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher, is dedicated to understanding his 23 different personalities. She believes his condition has unlocked untapped human potential, with each personality displaying unique physical and mental attributes. However, she is unaware that two of his personalities, Dennis and Patricia, are planning something sinister involving the girls.

The Emergence of ‘The Beast’

As the girls attempt to escape, they learn about a 24th personality, ‘The Beast,’ a superhuman entity worshiped by Dennis and Patricia. Dr. Fletcher begins to suspect the girls are in grave danger and attempts to intervene. The film builds tension as ‘The Beast’ starts to take control, exhibiting heightened strength and agility.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy): A man with 23 distinct personalities who kidnaps three girls as a sacrifice to his emerging 24th, superhuman personality.
• Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy): A withdrawn teenager with a traumatic past who is kidnapped by Kevin and becomes the most resourceful in trying to survive.
• Dennis (James McAvoy): One of Kevin’s dominant personalities who is meticulous, obsessive, and instrumental in the kidnapping of the girls to serve as a sacrifice.
• Patricia (James McAvoy): Another of Kevin’s dominant personalities, a stern and controlling woman who believes in the superiority of the ‘broken’.
• The Beast (James McAvoy): Kevin’s 24th personality, a superhumanly strong and agile cannibalistic entity.
• Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley): Kevin’s psychiatrist who is dedicated to understanding and helping him, but underestimates the danger he poses.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Patricia: “Our hearts are now pure. We are doing what must be done.” – Patricia rationalizes their actions in kidnapping the girls and preparing for ‘The Beast’s’ arrival.
• The Beast: “You are different from the rest. Your heart is pure!” – The Beast spares Casey after noticing her self-inflicted scars, deeming her worthy due to her suffering.
• Dr. Karen Fletcher: “The brain is the most adaptable organ in the human body. But what if someone with DID, could change their body chemistry with their mind?” – Dr. Fletcher theorizes about the untapped potential of individuals with DID, hinting at the superhuman abilities The Beast possesses.
• Dennis: “I’ve never touched a girl, but I’ve wanted to.” – Dennis reveals his repressed desires and disturbing intentions towards the kidnapped girls.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $9,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $138,291,365
• Worldwide Gross: $278,454,417

💥 Split Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by James McAvoy in this movie! He transformed into so many different characters, it was like watching a masterclass in acting. The scenes with Hedwig were hilarious and Dennis was genuinely creepy. The end reveal with Bruce Willis completely shocked me, I definitely didn’t see that coming! It made me want to re-watch Unbreakable immediately.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about mental health and identity”
  • “M. Night Shyamalan fans”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful and unsettling narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Kidnapping”
  • “Violence and some gore”
  • “References to child abuse”
  • “Disturbing psychological themes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Split showcases Shyamalan’s flair for suspense while James McAvoy delivers a tour-de-force performance. It’s a thrilling and disturbing exploration of identity and trauma, elevated by its unexpected connection to a previous work.
• IGN: “James McAvoy’s magnetic performance is the true highlight of this psychological thriller. Shyamalan successfully balances the suspense with moments of genuine character exploration, leading to a satisfying, albeit unconventional, climax.
• Variety: “James McAvoy is astounding, showcasing range that transcends mere mimicry, Split works as a thriller in its own right — a B-movie with A-grade acting.

Audience Reactions

James McAvoy’s performance was outstanding and made the film extremely captivating.: Audiences were impressed by McAvoy’s versatile acting, bringing depth to each personality.

The ending connected to ‘Unbreakable’ was a surprising and exciting twist.: Viewers enjoyed the unexpected connection to Shyamalan’s earlier work, enhancing the film’s impact.

Overall Consensus: Split is a thrilling psychological horror film highlighted by a remarkable performance from James McAvoy and a suspenseful plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James McAvoy’s performance was so physically demanding that he suffered knee injuries during filming, requiring him to ice his knees between takes.”
• “M. Night Shyamalan wrote the script with James McAvoy in mind for the lead role.”
• “The movie’s ending was originally different, but Shyamalan changed it to connect it to his earlier film, ‘Unbreakable,’ creating a shared universe.”
• “The inspiration for the film, real-life multiple-personality Billy Milligan, charged with three rapes, was the first person diagnosed with multiple personality disorder to use an insanity defense by reason of that disorder, and also first to be acquitted thus. Milligan had 24 personalities.”

🖥️ How to Watch Split?

Split is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, and Apple TV, where you may need a subscription or have the option to rent or purchase it. Check local listings as availability varies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Split, you might like these similar films:

• Identity (2003): Explores the theme of multiple personalities within a single individual involved in a suspenseful, isolated setting.
• Psycho (1960): A classic suspense thriller with a focus on mental instability and shocking reveals, influencing the psychological horror elements of Split.
• Unbreakable (2000): Directly connected to ‘Split’ through its shared universe and exploration of extraordinary human abilities.
• Fight Club (1999): Features a protagonist with a dissociative identity disorder and explores themes of duality and societal dissatisfaction.
• Secret Window (2004): A writer is stalked at his isolated lake house by a sinister stranger who accuses him of plagiarism.

🛒 Split Related Products

• Funko Pop! Movies: Split – Hedwig: A must-have for any ‘Split’ fan, this Funko Pop captures the quirky charm of Hedwig, one of Kevin’s most memorable personalities. It’s a great addition to any collection and a fun reminder of the movie.
• Unbreakable, Split, and Glass Trilogy [4K Ultra HD]: Experience M. Night Shyamalan’s complete superhero trilogy in stunning 4K Ultra HD. This set includes Unbreakable, Split, and Glass, offering a deeper understanding of the interconnected narrative.
• Split Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb, with each personality beautifully captured. Available in various sizes to fit any space, perfect for movie rooms or personal galleries.
• The Unofficial Guide to the Unbreakable Universe: Unbreakable, Split & Glass (The Complete Series): Delve deep into the world of Unbreakable, Split, and Glass with this comprehensive guide. Featuring character breakdowns, behind-the-scenes facts, and detailed analyses of the trilogy’s themes and connections.

🎧 Soundtrack

Split features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In September” – performed by Slam Allen
• “Main Titles” – performed by West Dylan Thordson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Split | Every Personality Seen in Split

Dive into the mind of Kevin and witness the fascinating array of personalities that define this enigmatic character, portrayed with incredible depth by James McAvoy.

Hidden Meaning in SPLIT (M. Night Shyamalan) – Earthling Cinema

Unravel the hidden depths of Split with this thought-provoking analysis that dissects the film’s intricate symbolism and explores its deeper meanings.

Split: Holy $#!T Let’s Talk About That Final Scene! (Spoilers!)

Join the conversation surrounding Split’s enigmatic ending, as this lively discussion breaks down the final scene and explores its shocking implications.

✨ Rate