There are three movies that constitute the Unbreakable trilogy: Unbreakable (2000), Split (2016), and Glass (2019). These films form a cohesive narrative exploring themes of extraordinary abilities, mental illness, and the battle between good and evil in a grounded, realistic setting.
The Foundation: Unbreakable
Released in 2000, Unbreakable introduced audiences to David Dunn, a security guard played by Bruce Willis, who is the sole survivor of a catastrophic train crash. He emerges unscathed, leading him to question his own mortality and resilience. This initial premise is the cornerstone upon which the entire trilogy is built. Elijah Price, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, plays a pivotal role in uncovering David’s abilities. He believes David is the opposite of himself – “unbreakable” – as Elijah suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare disease that makes his bones extremely brittle. The film thoughtfully explores the idea of superheroes existing in the real world, focusing on the psychological and emotional impact such a revelation would have.
The Unforeseen Genius of M. Night Shyamalan
M. Night Shyamalan’s unique storytelling style, characterized by suspenseful narratives, atmospheric cinematography, and unexpected plot twists, is a defining characteristic of Unbreakable. The film deliberately avoids the flashy superhero tropes common in mainstream comics and movies, opting for a more realistic and character-driven approach. This approach, while initially met with mixed reactions, has cemented Unbreakable’s status as a cult classic and a significant contribution to the superhero genre. The deliberate pacing allows for deeper character development and a more profound exploration of the themes at play.
A Startling Revelation: Split
Sixteen years later, Split served as a surprising and unexpected expansion of the Unbreakable universe. The film centers on Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 24 distinct personalities (Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID), brilliantly played by James McAvoy. Split initially appears to be a standalone psychological thriller, focusing on Kevin’s abduction of three teenage girls. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that one of Kevin’s personalities, “The Beast,” possesses superhuman abilities, connecting Split to the Unbreakable mythology.
The Beast Awakens
The revelation of The Beast’s superhuman strength, agility, and near-invulnerability completely changed the scope of the Unbreakable universe. It introduced a more overt form of superhuman ability than the subtle strength and resilience showcased by David Dunn. The film skillfully weaves together the themes of mental illness and the potential for extraordinary power, raising questions about the origin and nature of such abilities. The final scene, revealing David Dunn watching a news report about Kevin’s crimes, cemented Split’s connection to Unbreakable, leaving audiences eager for a cinematic crossover.
The Climax: Glass
Glass brought David Dunn, Elijah Price, and Kevin Wendell Crumb together in a final, dramatic showdown. The film explores the idea that all three men, labeled as delusional by Dr. Ellie Staple, a psychiatrist specializing in delusional disorders, are locked in a mental institution. However, as the narrative progresses, their powers emerge, and the true nature of their abilities becomes undeniable.
The Battle for Perception
Glass serves as a culmination of the themes explored in the previous two films, questioning the nature of reality and the power of perception. The film explores the idea that individuals with extraordinary abilities are often dismissed or suppressed by society, highlighting the importance of embracing one’s true potential. The ending of Glass, while divisive, emphasized the impact these individuals had on the world, even in death, by exposing their powers to the public through leaked security footage. The film leaves the audience to ponder the implications of this revelation and the potential for a future where the existence of superhumans is widely accepted. The tragic conclusion for all the central characters, however, provided a clear ending point for the entire arc. The movie deliberately deconstructs superhero tropes by focusing on the mundane realities of extraordinary individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there going to be an Unbreakable 4?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for an Unbreakable 4. M. Night Shyamalan has stated on several occasions that he considers Glass to be the conclusive end to the trilogy. While he hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of revisiting the universe in the future, it seems highly unlikely. The ending of Glass provided a definitive conclusion to the storylines of David Dunn, Elijah Price, and Kevin Wendell Crumb.
2. Why is Unbreakable considered a superhero movie if it’s so different from typical superhero films?
Unbreakable is often described as a deconstructed superhero film because it deliberately subverts traditional superhero tropes. It explores the concept of superheroes in a realistic and grounded way, focusing on the psychological and emotional impact of having extraordinary abilities. The film avoids flashy costumes, grand battles, and fantastical settings, opting for a more subtle and character-driven approach.
3. What is the significance of the comic book theme throughout the trilogy?
Comic books play a crucial role in the Unbreakable trilogy, particularly in Unbreakable and Glass. Elijah Price, a comic book aficionado, uses his knowledge of comic book archetypes to understand and interpret David Dunn’s abilities. The comic book theme serves as a metaphor for understanding the potential for good and evil within humanity and the archetypal narratives that resonate throughout different cultures.
4. What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and how is it portrayed in Split?
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. Split depicts Kevin Wendell Crumb as having 24 different personalities, some of whom are more dominant than others. While Split is a fictionalized portrayal of DID, it draws upon real-world symptoms and experiences associated with the disorder. The film sparked considerable debate regarding its accuracy and responsible representation of DID.
5. What are the specific superpowers of David Dunn, The Beast, and Mr. Glass?
David Dunn possesses superhuman strength, enhanced durability, and a unique ability to see the evil deeds that people have committed through physical contact. The Beast possesses superhuman strength, speed, agility, and near-invulnerability. Elijah Price, while physically frail, possesses an exceptionally high intellect and a strategic mind, making him a master manipulator and planner. He can see the patterns and connections that others miss.
6. How does M. Night Shyamalan connect Split to Unbreakable?
M. Night Shyamalan cleverly connects Split to Unbreakable in the final scene of Split. The scene shows David Dunn watching a news report about Kevin Wendell Crumb’s crimes, recognizing the name and realizing that The Beast is the supervillain he has been searching for. This scene establishes that Split takes place within the same universe as Unbreakable, setting the stage for Glass.
7. What is the significance of the color palettes used in each film?
Each film in the Unbreakable trilogy utilizes distinct color palettes to represent the characters and themes. Unbreakable primarily uses muted colors and earth tones to convey a sense of realism and groundedness. Split incorporates brighter, more vibrant colors to reflect the chaotic nature of Kevin Wendell Crumb’s personalities. Glass combines elements of both color palettes, representing the convergence of the different characters and storylines.
8. What are some of the major themes explored in the Unbreakable trilogy?
The Unbreakable trilogy explores several major themes, including:
- The nature of good and evil
- The potential for extraordinary abilities within ordinary people
- The psychological impact of trauma and mental illness
- The importance of self-acceptance and embracing one’s true potential
- The conflict between the desire for control and the acceptance of destiny
9. How did the Unbreakable trilogy influence the superhero genre?
The Unbreakable trilogy has had a significant influence on the superhero genre by demonstrating that superhero stories can be told in a realistic and grounded way. It paved the way for more character-driven and psychologically complex superhero narratives, moving away from the traditional formula of action-packed spectacle. Many modern superhero films and television shows draw inspiration from Unbreakable’s introspective and character-focused approach.
10. What are some of the criticisms of the Unbreakable trilogy, particularly Glass?
While the Unbreakable trilogy has garnered critical acclaim, it has also faced criticism. Some critics found Unbreakable to be slow-paced and lacking in action. Split was criticized for its portrayal of DID, with some arguing that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes. Glass received the most mixed reviews, with some criticizing its convoluted plot, anticlimactic ending, and perceived mishandling of the characters.
11. Where can I watch the Unbreakable trilogy?
The Unbreakable trilogy is available for streaming on various platforms, including (depending on region):
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- Disney+
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Apple TV
Availability may vary depending on your location and subscription status. It’s best to check your local streaming services for availability.
12. What is the overall message of the Unbreakable trilogy?
The overall message of the Unbreakable trilogy is that everyone has the potential for greatness within them, and it’s important to embrace one’s true self, even if it means defying societal expectations. The trilogy also suggests that even ordinary individuals can make a significant impact on the world, and that the battle between good and evil is an ongoing struggle that plays out in both grand and subtle ways. It encourages viewers to recognize the hidden strength within themselves and to use it for good.