The chilling climax of Split sees Kevin Wendell Crumb, tormented by 23 distinct personalities, unleash his most terrifying persona: The Beast. Casey Cooke, the resourceful and observant hostage, survives the ordeal by recognizing and displaying empathy towards Kevin, triggering a dormant rule within the personalities that protects the “pure of heart.” The film concludes with the revelation that Kevin’s transformation signifies the dawn of superhumans, connecting Split to the broader Unbreakable universe, and branding Kevin as a new kind of villain – one they call “The Horde.”
The Final Standoff: A Battle for Survival
The final act of Split unfolds in the abandoned train depot that serves as Kevin’s lair. After escaping Patricia and Dennis, Casey desperately tries to find a way to survive the approaching threat of The Beast. The situation is grim; she is trapped, vulnerable, and facing an entity of immense strength and primal hunger.
Casey’s Calculated Resilience
Casey’s survival isn’t simply a matter of luck. Throughout her captivity, she’s observant, analyzing Kevin’s personalities and their individual weaknesses. Crucially, she remembers the instructions of Barry, a dominant personality who sought to protect the hostages, and attempts to trigger his return. However, it’s not Barry who ultimately saves her, but the implicit understanding within Kevin’s fractured psyche.
The Emergence of the Beast
The Beast’s emergence is terrifying and devastating. He possesses superhuman strength, agility, and resilience. He tears through steel bars, scales walls with ease, and inflicts grievous injuries. His victims, perceived as “impure” by his twisted morality, are brutally dispatched. This display of raw power underscores the film’s central theme: the potential for both extraordinary good and unimaginable evil within the human psyche.
The Power of Empathy
Casey’s survival hinges on her display of empathy. When The Beast confronts her, he notices the scars on her body – evidence of past abuse. He recognizes her pain, and a fundamental rule established within Kevin’s mind, dictated by Barry, surfaces. This rule, designed to protect those who have suffered, deems her “pure” and spares her life. This moment underscores the film’s message about the enduring power of compassion and its potential to transcend even the most monstrous circumstances.
The Aftermath and the Unbreakable Connection
The film’s conclusion extends beyond Casey’s immediate survival, setting the stage for the larger Unbreakable universe.
The News Report and the David Dunn Revelation
As Casey is rescued and the authorities investigate the train depot massacre, a news report details the events, focusing on Kevin’s fractured mind and the extraordinary strength of The Beast. This broadcast catches the attention of patrons in a local diner. One customer, played by Bruce Willis, hears the description of the events and recognizes the similarities to the incidents he faced in Unbreakable. He utters, “They called him Mr. Glass,” explicitly linking Split to the Unbreakable narrative.
The Birth of the Horde and the Rise of Superhumans
The final shot of the film focuses on the Bruce Willis character, David Dunn, from Unbreakable. This cameo confirms that Split is a sequel, albeit a very unconventional one. The emergence of The Beast signifies the beginning of a new era – one where individuals with extraordinary abilities are emerging from the shadows. Kevin, now branded as “The Horde” by the media, becomes the harbinger of this change, a symbol of both fear and fascination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of Split
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the ending of the movie, offering deeper insights and clarifications:
What does Casey do to survive The Beast?
Casey survives by displaying empathy and vulnerability, revealing her scars and connecting with the Beast’s twisted sense of purity. This triggers a protective mechanism within Kevin’s fractured mind, sparing her life.
Why did The Beast spare Casey?
The Beast spared Casey because he perceived her as “pure” due to her past trauma and abuse. The personalities, under Barry’s influence, established a rule to protect those who have suffered.
Who is Bruce Willis’ character in the diner?
Bruce Willis plays David Dunn, the protagonist from M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable (2000). His appearance confirms that Split is part of the Unbreakable universe.
How does Split connect to Unbreakable?
Split connects to Unbreakable through David Dunn’s cameo at the end. His recognition of Kevin’s abilities as similar to those he faced with Mr. Glass solidifies the connection and sets the stage for Glass.
What does the term “The Horde” refer to?
“The Horde” is the moniker given to Kevin Wendell Crumb by the media after the emergence of The Beast. It refers to the multitude of personalities residing within him and the collective threat they represent.
What is the significance of the scars on Casey’s body?
The scars on Casey’s body are symbolic of her past trauma and abuse. They are visual evidence of her suffering and the reason The Beast perceives her as “pure.”
What are The Beast’s powers?
The Beast possesses superhuman strength, agility, and durability. He can tear through steel, scale walls with ease, and withstand significant physical trauma.
Why didn’t The Beast kill all the hostages?
The Beast only killed those he perceived as “impure” – those who hadn’t suffered or endured hardship. He believed that only those who had overcome adversity were worthy of existence.
What is the meaning of the ending scene in Split?
The ending scene signifies the beginning of a new era, where individuals with superhuman abilities are emerging from the shadows. It sets the stage for the conflict and collaboration explored in the subsequent film, Glass.
Was Casey specifically chosen as a victim because of her past?
It’s implied that Dennis, one of Kevin’s personalities, specifically chose Casey based on his belief that she had suffered and was therefore worthy. This aligns with the twisted logic of The Beast’s worldview.
What is the “pure of heart” concept in Split?
The “pure of heart” concept, as interpreted by Kevin’s personalities, refers to individuals who have endured hardship and suffering. The Beast views these individuals as worthy of protection and spared from his wrath.
What happened to the other victims of The Beast?
The other victims of The Beast, those deemed “impure,” were brutally killed within the abandoned train depot. Their deaths highlight the dangerous and unforgiving nature of The Beast’s warped ideology.