Split is a psychological thriller that follows Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 23 distinct personalities, as he kidnaps three teenage girls. The film culminates in the emergence of a 24th, monstrous personality known as The Beast, showcasing the terrifying potential of dissociative identity disorder (DID) when pushed to its extreme.
The Unfolding Nightmare: A Breakdown of the Plot
Split masterfully portrays the escalating chaos within Kevin’s fractured psyche. The three kidnapped girls – Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy), Claire Benoit (Haley Lu Richardson), and Marcia (Jessica Sula) – are trapped in an underground facility, unaware of the true extent of their captor’s condition. Initially, they encounter seemingly harmless personalities like Barry, a fashion designer, and Dennis, a meticulous and controlling individual.
However, as the days pass, the girls realize the escalating danger. Dennis, often suppressing more benevolent personalities, is preparing for The Beast’s arrival. He believes The Beast represents a purified, superior version of humanity, born from suffering and trauma.
Casey, having endured a traumatic childhood herself, proves to be the most resourceful of the captives. She observes the shifting personalities, attempting to manipulate them and appeal to any semblance of humanity within Kevin. Her understanding of trauma, gleaned from her own experiences, becomes her key to survival.
The film interweaves Casey’s present-day struggle with flashbacks to her past, revealing the abuse she suffered at the hands of her uncle. This parallel underscores the link between trauma and the development of DID, providing a context for Kevin’s fractured mental state. It also highlights Casey’s resilience and her ability to connect with vulnerability, potentially a key to appeasing even The Beast.
The climax arrives with the full emergence of The Beast. Possessing superhuman strength, speed, and agility, The Beast unleashes a reign of terror, killing Claire and Marcia. Casey, however, manages to survive by showing The Beast the scars from her abuse, triggering a moment of recognition and empathy within Kevin. Before The Beast can fully comprehend what’s happening, the authorities arrive, but it’s too late to capture the unleashed entity.
The film concludes with The Beast escaping, leaving Casey wounded but alive. A diner scene reveals the public reaction to the horrifying events, referring to The Beast as similar to “the Horde,” reminiscent of another figure with extraordinary abilities. This leads to a cameo appearance by David Dunn (Bruce Willis) from Unbreakable, explicitly connecting Split to M. Night Shyamalan’s superhero universe, Unbreakable, officially labeling Split as a sequel to Unbreakable and setting the stage for Glass.
Key Themes and Interpretations
Split explores complex themes surrounding trauma, mental illness, and the potential for human resilience. The film doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of DID, but it also offers a nuanced portrayal of the individuals trapped within the system. While Kevin’s actions are undeniably monstrous, the film hints at the potential for healing and integration, even within the most fractured minds.
The concept of “the Horde” suggests that extreme trauma can unlock latent abilities and potential within the human brain. While The Beast’s physical transformations are fantastical, they serve as a metaphor for the profound impact that severe psychological distress can have on an individual.
Casey’s survival underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating difficult situations. Her ability to connect with The Beast’s underlying pain, stemming from Kevin’s own childhood trauma, ultimately saves her life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Split
H3. What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?
DID, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states (or identities) within an individual. These identities, each with their own patterns of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self, recurrently take control of the individual’s behavior. The disorder is often associated with severe trauma experienced in childhood.
H3. How accurate is the portrayal of DID in Split?
While Split is a fictionalized account, it draws upon some real-world aspects of DID. The existence of multiple personalities, memory gaps, and the potential for physical manifestations linked to specific personalities are all elements found in some cases of DID. However, The Beast’s superhuman abilities are a clear exaggeration for dramatic effect. The film should be viewed as a thriller inspired by DID, not a strictly accurate representation of the disorder.
H3. What are the key personalities presented in Split?
The primary personalities featured in Split include:
- Kevin: The original personality, rarely seen and often suppressed.
- Dennis: An obsessive-compulsive and controlling personality. He is a caretaker personality for The Beast.
- Patricia: A cold and calculating female personality. She is a caretaker personality for The Beast.
- Hedwig: A nine-year-old boy who is innocent and easily manipulated.
- Barry: A fashion designer who initially tries to help the girls.
- The Beast: A superhumanly strong and agile personality who believes he is the next stage of human evolution.
H3. What is the significance of Casey’s past trauma?
Casey’s history of abuse is crucial to the plot for several reasons. Firstly, it establishes a parallel between her and Kevin, highlighting the role of trauma in shaping an individual’s psyche. Secondly, her experiences have made her resilient and observant, allowing her to better understand and navigate Kevin’s fractured mind. Finally, her scars become a trigger for The Beast, reminding him of the pain he seeks to eliminate.
H3. Why does Dennis kidnap the girls?
Dennis believes that The Beast needs “pure” victims to consume as part of his transformation. He and Patricia see the girls as worthy sacrifices, believing they have not suffered enough in their lives.
H3. What are The Beast’s powers?
The Beast possesses superhuman strength, speed, agility, and durability. He can climb walls, withstand significant physical trauma, and has heightened senses. These powers are a manifestation of the belief system held by the personalities preparing for his arrival.
H3. How does Casey survive her encounter with The Beast?
Casey survives because she shows The Beast her scars, reminding him of the pain she has endured. This triggers a moment of clarity within Kevin, momentarily overriding The Beast’s control. This hesitation gives Casey a chance to escape.
H3. What does the ending mean, connecting Split to Unbreakable?
The ending reveals that Split is part of the same cinematic universe as Unbreakable. David Dunn’s appearance confirms the existence of superpowered individuals in this world, suggesting that The Beast is not simply a product of mental illness, but also a manifestation of latent abilities unlocked by trauma.
H3. Is Split a horror movie?
While Split contains elements of horror, particularly in its depiction of The Beast and the violent acts he commits, it is primarily a psychological thriller. The film focuses on the internal struggle of the characters and the exploration of complex themes related to mental illness and trauma.
H3. What is the role of Dr. Karen Fletcher in the film?
Dr. Karen Fletcher is Kevin’s psychiatrist. She is deeply invested in his well-being and is researching DID. She believes that individuals with DID have the potential to control their bodies in ways that “normal” people cannot. She acts as an expository character, explaining DID and the significance of Kevin’s condition to the audience. Her dedication, however, ultimately blinds her to the true danger Kevin poses.
H3. Does Split stigmatize mental illness?
There is ongoing debate about whether Split stigmatizes mental illness. Some argue that the film’s depiction of DID as a source of superhuman abilities and violent behavior reinforces negative stereotypes. Others argue that the film explores complex themes and offers a nuanced portrayal of the individuals trapped within the system, even if it uses extreme elements for dramatic effect. It’s important to approach the film critically and consider the potential impact of its portrayal of mental illness.
H3. What happened after the ending of Split?
The story continues in Glass (2019). Glass brings together David Dunn, Kevin Wendell Crumb (The Horde), and Elijah Price (Mr. Glass) from Unbreakable, further exploring the themes of superheroism and the untapped potential of the human mind.