Monday, October 16, 2017

Movie review: Split

 
 Kevin suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder and has revealed 23 distinct personalities to his therapist. But when a new personality begins to surface and take complete control, kidnapping 3 young girls in the process, his other personalities fight back to survive.

James McAvoy (Kevin), Anya Taylor-Joy (Casey), Betty Buckley (Dr. Fletcher), Haley Richardson (Claire), Jessica Sula (Marcia), Izzie Coffey (Young Casey), Brad Henke (Uncle John), Sebastian Arcelus (Casey's Dad).

Split begins without much background, instead joining Kevin's life as he begins his mental breakdown with the kidnapping of 3 girls. As the story unrolls we are introduced to Kevin's multiple, distinct personalities and the possibility of a newly emerging personality not seen before. As his personalities become more aware of one another, and of the dangerous actions of the emerging personality, they begin to fight for control of Kevin's consciousness. The remainder of the film is something of a roller-coaster ride of suspense, fear, drama, and mental chaos.

Acting was good with McAvoy delivering an absolutely wonderful performance and variety of characters very well. Taylor-Joy was enjoyable and seemed to work well with McAvoy and others with nice, solid delivery. Richardson and Sula were decent and added some depth. Buckley was enjoyable and fit her role well, as did Coffey and Henke.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were nicely done throughout. Masking the location where the girls were kept captive was brilliant and helped with audience engagement. Action scenes were nicely done while also somewhat surprising. Dialogue was solid and enjoyable, as was sound and soundtrack.

Split is an enjoyable film in many ways. While the horror aspect is absolutely front and center,  there is a good deal of mystery as well and in true M. Night Shyamalan style, some questionable twists. The film holds interest well, moves along at a good pace, and is appropriately disturbing.

With a fair amount of violence and gore, some foul language, and images which may be disturbing to younger viewers, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 10.9.17
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Supernatural Thrillers,

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel

No comments:

Mine mine mine!!!!

Blog disclaimer and copyright information. . .

-I hope to make this blog revenue generating in the future and as such any posts found here may be paid posts. If you want to pay me to post for you, let me know!
-Content may change over time resulting in inaccuracies. I also make mistakes, some will be here.
-I have no control over what is at the other end of any links you may find here.
-Film pictures, dvd covers, film banners or whatever you like to call them are copied here from widely available public locations. I did not create them nor do I own them.
-Any files, programs or downloadables are provided only for convenience and fun. I in no way warrant, represent, or otherwise imply they won’t cause you problems. Use at your own risk! If your computer blows up I don’t want to even hear about it.
-Reviews posted here are my opinion and meant as informational for prospective viewers and are not meant to malign, defame, or otherwise harm anyone or anything. They also are not meant as advice or counsel , not necessarily factual or absolute, and the author will not be held responsible for the results of their use.
-Comments are NOT the opinion of this author, nor is he responsible or liable for the comments or their results. I will try to moderate them in a reasonable (to me) manner.
-Translation of any portion of this blog may result in other than desirable language for which the author is not responsible. Furthermore, I’m not an English major so there will be bad grammar and punctuation found here. There may also be language that is intentionally objectionable to support my opinions. Tough.
-Copyright: All reviews and opinions expressed here by the author are owned by the author. Please enjoy reposting and/or linking, I ask only that you give proper credit and inform me you have used my content for your own pleasure and devious purposes.
-Legal limit on damages: .02 cents, U.S. (Yes, I will give you my 2 cents worth if you abuse me in court).