An interesting theory explored well in macabre detail

Rating: 8/10 (3 March 2017)

I read a review on this site slating this film for its abhorrent view of schizoid personality disorders and whilst I empathise with the critic (being a sufferer of mental health problems myself, I understand the stigma), he forgets that this is a horror film and therefore artistic license can be applied, an expansion of the truth. I could argue that Rain Man pokes fun at autism but it doesn't; it highlights, if anything how the mentally ill can be exploited and its a darn good film, to boot.
But back to this film. If you've seen Fight Club then the concept of dual personalities that have little understanding of one another is familiar. It is explored in depth in this film with at least four of MacAvoy's twenty-three personalities being showcased, a few more during an interim period of discovery in the movie. He plays each role extremely well and I enjoyed the film thoroughly.
I was let down by Shyamalan's films in the past with the exceptions of the Sixth Sense and Unbreakable but this one seems to have redeemed him as a master of suspense. The cast is great with MacAvoy as the lead role and the support cast are pretty good, too especially the lead female role (I forget her name) upon whom most of the film centres.
The only issue I had was, as I already suffer personality disorders it gave me a bit too much food for thought. I spent a fair while researching the fact behind the fiction and it made for interesting reading.
As a horror/suspense this works exceptionally well despite most of the action taking place in one location. That is irrelevant (or is it?) as the focus is on the characters and they develop well.
The twist, for me was expected but it ended nicely and as I am the macabre sort, I was well pleased.
Don't be offended by the portrayal of a man with split personalities; his psychosis is so deep that it edges into the realms of fantasy yet with every myth there is a grain of truth, they do say.
Enjoy the movie for what it is; a tense urban thriller slash horror that will make you both laugh and gasp.