When Anya Taylor-Joy first captivated audiences in Robert Eggers' 2015 folk horror The Witch, it was clear a major talent had arrived. But it was her follow-up role in M. Night Shyamalan's Split that truly cemented her as a force to be reckoned with. Ten years later, that 117-minute thriller remains a high-water mark in her filmography—and a masterclass in genre storytelling.
Released in 2016, Split surprised audiences by secretly serving as a sequel to Shyamalan's 2000 film Unbreakable. The movie follows Casey Cooke (Taylor-Joy), a teenager who is abducted by Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man living with dissociative identity disorder. Kevin's body plays host to 23 distinct personalities, and as they vie for control, a terrifying new persona known as "The Beast" emerges. What could have been a standard kidnapping thriller is elevated by Taylor-Joy's nuanced performance and Shyamalan's taut direction.
From the outset, Casey is portrayed as observant and emotionally intelligent. Unlike her friends Marcia and Claire, she quickly grasps the gravity of their situation. Her own history of sexual abuse gives her a unique ability to empathize with Kevin, even as she fights to survive. Taylor-Joy brings a quiet strength to the role, turning a battle of wits into the film's emotional core. While McAvoy's transformative performance deservedly drew praise, it's Taylor-Joy who grounds the movie, making its high-concept premise feel painfully real.
Split also marked a return to form for Shyamalan, who had spent years trying to recapture the magic of his early hits. The film's twist ending—revealing that it takes place in the same universe as Unbreakable—set the stage for 2019's Glass. Yet Split stands on its own, a lean, gripping thriller that doesn't rely solely on its final reveal. It's a testament to Shyamalan's skill at weaponizing suspense and to Taylor-Joy's ability to carry a film on her shoulders.
For those who appreciate thrillers that prioritize character over cheap scares, Split is essential viewing. It's also a reminder of Taylor-Joy's remarkable range. Before she became a household name with The Queen's Gambit and The Menu, she was here, holding her own against a scenery-chewing McAvoy and proving she was no flash in the pan. If you're looking for more edge-of-your-seat entertainment, check out tight and terrific thriller series that deliver big suspense in few episodes. Or, for a different kind of chills, explore Jenna Ortega's dark thriller that's currently rising on Apple TV+.
A decade on, Split remains a pivotal moment in Taylor-Joy's career—a film that showcased her emotional depth and hinted at the superstardom to come. It's a thriller that rewards repeat viewings, not just for its clever connections but for the raw, magnetic performance at its center. If you haven't seen it in a while, it's worth revisiting. And if you're new to it, prepare to be captivated by an actor who was already operating at the top of her game.
