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| James McAvoy stars in Split |
Behave Yourself
Rotten Tomatoes Plot: While the mental divisions of those with dissociative identity disorder have long fascinated and eluded science, it is believed that some can also manifest unique physical attributes for each personality, a cognitive and physiological prism within a single being. Though Kevin (James McAvoy) has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley) there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him - as well as everyone around him - as the walls between his compartments shatter apart. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Shyamalan's Split is difficult (frustrating?) to review. Parts of it are downright entertaining (particularly the interaction between McAvoy and Taylor-Joy) but there's also a noticeable absence of tension. Blame part of it on McAvoy's physical appearance (5'7" is far from terrifying) and the rest on Shyamalan's inability to stay in one place for very long. It's also fairly predictable, despite a (lackluster) twist or two at the end... not to mention borderline pornographic (three hot girls in various states of undress.) That said, it's never boring, and McAvoy deserves props for some of his personalities. If only it were scarier.
Grade: C+
