Chilling, strangely charming, etc...

Rating: 8/10 (9 February 2017)

Somehow I managed to miss all promotional material for Split before deciding to see in the cinema. It is very rare that I see films without researching it first, and I was expecting a throwaway thriller/horror at best. I was pleasantly surprised.
This film could have very easily failed if it weren't for James McAvoy. He delivered a fantastic performance in possibly one of his most challenging role(s) to date. I was in awe every time he was on screen. His acting was simultaneously chilling and charming - the flow between characters was seamless and he provided comedy, invoked fear and provoked sympathy throughout.
Was the story unique? No. But it did feel more in depth than your usual abduction movie. The representation of individuals with DID goes further than the trailers portray, and of course, better than most horror films which seem to demonise its sufferers. Kevin (McAvoy) is host to 23 alters, and only 3 are shown to be malicious. Many people are very sensitive about representation, but I believe DID and PTSD were handled very delicately.
Other characters, especially Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley), also provided excellent performances. My one criticism is the twist at the end of the film, which I felt took away from the flow. The reference at the very end also makes me wonder where M. Night Shyamalan is taking this next.
Overall, highly recommend.