M. Night Shyamalan's Split is back in the spotlight this October, landing on both Netflix and Peacock. The 2016 thriller, which marked a major comeback for the director, pairs two of today's most compelling actors—Anya Taylor-Joy and James McAvoy—in a nerve-shredding cat-and-mouse game that redefined the horror genre for a new generation.
The story centers on Casey Cooke (Taylor-Joy), a quiet but resilient teenager who, along with two classmates, is abducted after a birthday party. Their captor is Kevin Wendell Crumb (McAvoy), a man whose mind houses 23 distinct personalities. As the girls are held in a labyrinthine underground facility, they must navigate the shifting whims of Kevin's alters—some helpful, some terrifying—while a 24th personality, known as "The Beast," threatens to emerge and unleash chaos.
Shyamalan, who wrote and directed, crafted Split as a follow-up to his 2015 horror hit The Visit, which signaled his return to form after a string of misfires in other genres. The film's success proved that the master of suspense still had his touch, blending psychological tension with visceral scares.
McAvoy's Tour de Force and Taylor-Joy's Breakout
James McAvoy delivers a career-defining performance, embodying not one but two dozen personalities with startling precision. From a meticulous woman to a childlike boy to the predatory Beast, McAvoy shifts his voice, posture, and demeanor in ways that keep audiences guessing. Remarkably, he stepped in just weeks before filming, replacing Joaquin Phoenix, and made the role his own.
Anya Taylor-Joy, who had already impressed in The Witch, proves she's more than a scream queen. Her Casey is a survivor, drawing on a painful past to outwit her captor. Taylor-Joy's portrayal adds depth to the classic "final girl" archetype, showing that trauma can be a source of strength rather than just a wound.
A Stealth Sequel with a Shocking Twist
What seemed like a standalone thriller took a sensational turn in its final moments. A diner scene reveals that Kevin's case is connected to a figure from Shyamalan's earlier work—David Dunn, played by Bruce Willis, from Unbreakable. The mention of "Mr. Glass" (Samuel L. Jackson) ties Split into a larger universe, transforming it into a stealth sequel that recontextualizes the entire film.
This twist harkens back to Shyamalan's glory days, when films like The Sixth Sense and Signs left audiences stunned. By linking Split to Unbreakable, he created a shared narrative that would culminate in the 2019 crossover Glass, but many argue Split remains the most audacious of the trilogy.
As Split arrives on streaming platforms, it joins a lineup of near-perfect thrillers that have defined the past two decades. Its blend of psychological horror and superhero mythology continues to resonate, and with Taylor-Joy and McAvoy now household names, the film feels more relevant than ever.
For those who missed it in theaters, or for fans eager to revisit, Split is a must-watch this October. It's a reminder of Shyamalan's unique vision and a showcase for two actors at the top of their game. Whether you're a horror aficionado or a newcomer, this 117-minute ride will leave you breathless.
