Split (2017)

The more recent work of director M. Night Shyamalan (The Visit, Lady In The Water) has been very hit or miss.  Thankfully, Split is a well made movie that marks a return to form for Shyamalan.
The film begins with the abduction of three teenage girls (Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula, and Anya Taylor-Joy) by a mysterious individual named Kevin (James McAvoy).  We soon learn that Kevin suffers from DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), a condition which has resulted in him exhibiting 23 distinct personalities.  While the girls try to escape their captivity, Kevin visits his therapist, Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley).  She does what she can to help Kevin, but it soon becomes clear that something isn't right when Kevin's 'others' begin to constantly contact her asking for help.  They are all worried about a mysterious 24th personality that is apparently much worse than any other, and is getting ready to emerge.
When I first saw the trailer for Split, it seemed too good to be true, from an acting standpoint.  As it turns out, I was right.  I wasn't counting, but there are roughly eight personalities we see portrayed onscreen by James McAvoy, rather than all 24, as we're led to believe.  This isn't to say that McAvoy delivers a bad performance, however.  His character ranges from coldly murderous to friendly, or even disarmingly funny, sometimes all within a few minutes of screen time.  Even a slight change in facial expression or posture alerts the audience to his changes in personality, which is extra impressive considering how often these changes happen over the course of the film.
McAvoy is helped immensely helped by a great supporting cast.  Betty Buckley is wonderful as Kevin's caring, but concerned therapist.  I appreciate that M. Night Shyamalan allowed this film to take its time in examining the psychological side of the story, rather than simply focusing on the teens in danger part of the story.  Anya Taylor-Joy is another standout as Casey, a quiet, but sharply intelligent young woman.  We receive much of her story in small flashbacks, and by the end of the film, we reach a fuller understanding of Casey's character, and what makes her the smartest one in the room.
Split is a well shot film with a perfect balance of mystery and tension.  While the story does dip into the fantastic for a moment or two, it never feels too unrealistic.  With some very strong acting to back it up, Split makes for a great piece of suspense with a few solid horror accents.