Split exceeded my expectations and may see a comeback from director after several duds with his films.

Rating: 7/10 (21 January 2017)

Split is one of M. Night Shyamalan's better work so far and he has been having a lot of duds with his previous films. He is a hit and a miss with his films. Split is an entertaining effective psychological thriller film that showcases James McAvoy's performance as a guy with 23 personalities and his mysterious 24th personality that would soon arrive.
Kevin (James McAvoy) kidnaps three girls Claire (Haley Lu Richardson), Marcia (Jessica Sula), and Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy). He sticks them in an underground basement. Tries to take care of them, so they can meet the 24th personality known as "the beast." I will say the plot was very intriguing and it is best not to reveal too much. It is better seeing the film and being surprised by the twist. Sure, audience will again either like the end results or hate it. I will say it is not the best movie. It could have been a whole lot worst.
The concept was interesting with a guy having multiple personality disorder. And how every characteristics was prepping for the mystery 24th personality. The script does add some strong thematic situations that focuses on Casey and the flashbacks of her camping trip with her father and uncle. Yet again, cannot say much more. Her past will come into a factor during the climax. I did not find Split to be scary; I think it plays more as a thriller. The tension slowly builds up to the climax. Which the film can get slow and dull for a moment. During the second act, with the three girls trying to figure out how to escape and trying to understand Kevin's personalities. And maybe trying to outsmart one of them. Also, in this act, we have Barry (one of the personalities) that is constantly visiting psychologists Dr. Karen (Betty Buckley) for a quick therapy session, which she is trying to connect for his sudden behavior. Once, the 24th personality is revealed, the suspense is non-stop until the end.
James McAvoy gave an impressive performance, granted only portraying a few personalities on screen. If it was not for him, feel like the film would not have been as good. Anya Taylor-Joy gave an emotionless performance as Casey, who is haunted from her past and being kidnapped with her friends. She is an up and growing actress from films like The Witch and Morgan.
Split is an improvement for an M. Night Shyamalan film. Most of his films have been pretty boring or had a terrible ending like The Visit, The Happening, etc. But he does have some standing work like Signs. The ending in Split, may have the audience talking right after and discussing the possibility. I liked the direction he was taking Split and the concept idea. It is one of those films you need to see for yourself.. I ll recommend Split, if your looking for thrills or enjoy M. Night's mystery direction. Split is a pretty fair film that exceeded my expectations and I dislike most of his films.