BY ETHAN ESTRADA

“Split” a thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan, stars Kevin Crumb (James McAvoy) a person living with dissociative identity disorder. Kevin lives with twenty-three personalities within him, and they all constantly fight to be the personality Kevin is portraying at the time. Kevin abducts three girls in high school telling them that they are there for the “greater good”. Casey Cooks (Anya Taylor-Joy) is one of the girls that gets abducted, and has to try to communicate with all of Kevin’s different personalities in order to escape. Meanwhile Kevin’s psychiatrist Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley) is trying to document dissociative identity disorder and is working with Kevin to bring light to his condition.

James McAvoy does an amazing job in this film. McAvoy is able to give all of the personalities distinct names, traits and beliefs; from a 9 year old boy named Hedwig, to a perfectionist with OCD named Dennis, to a strict, proper woman named Patricia, or a flamboyant fashion designer named Barry. McAvoy allows the audience to be terrified of Kevin no matter which personality is being shown.

The supporting cast helps with the plot and they do a great job too. Anya Taylor-Joy portrays Casey Cook, an outcast at school that gets abducted by Kevin. Casey tries to communicate with all of Kevin’s personalities and helps you see the funny sides of Kevin, as well as the terrifying sides of him. Betty Buckley portrays Dr. Fletcher, Kevin’s psychiatrist who studies his personalities and tries to bring the good out of them.

Shyamalan’s camera work and directing is great. The closely framed shots make the viewer feel constricted and uneasy the entire film. Shyamalan’s subtle use of comedy allows everyone to see all sides of Kevin. Shyamalan even gives a nod to one of his older films, “Unbreakable”, with a Bruce Willis cameo who plays David Dunn in the movie.

All in all, Split is worth a trip to the theaters; it has captivating acting, great directing and a strong storyline etc…

★★★★✩