The movie Split ends with the chilling revelation that Kevin Wendell Crumb, the protagonist with dissociative identity disorder (DID) and 24 distinct personalities, has fully transformed into his 24th persona: The Beast. This monstrous entity escapes into the city, leaving behind a trail of carnage and setting the stage for a connection to M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable universe.
The Climactic Showdown and the Rise of The Beast
The final act of Split centers around Casey Cooke, the survivor held captive by Kevin’s personalities, and her desperate attempts to escape. Throughout the film, we witness the increasing influence of “The Beast,” a superhuman persona with incredible strength, agility, and cannibalistic tendencies.
As The Beast fully emerges, he brutally murders Patricia and Dennis, two of Kevin’s dominant personas who initially believed they were in control. He views them as failures for not properly “cleansing” the world of the “unbroken,” people who have not suffered and therefore lack resilience.
Casey, using her knowledge of Kevin’s childhood trauma and the trigger word “Kevin Wendell Crumb,” manages to momentarily bring Kevin’s original personality to the surface. In this brief moment of clarity, Kevin begs Casey to shoot him, knowing the danger The Beast poses. However, The Beast quickly reasserts control.
The ending reaches its climax when The Beast confronts Casey in a locked room. He initially sees her as a pure, unbroken individual. However, noticing the self-inflicted scars from her abusive childhood, he recognizes her as “worthy.” He spares her life, concluding that she has suffered enough and is therefore one of the “cleansed.”
The Epilogue and the “Unbreakable” Connection
The final scene shifts to a diner, where news reports detail the gruesome events and the emergence of a “superhuman” individual. People discuss the story, comparing it to a similar incident that occurred 15 years prior involving a man in a wheelchair, referring to Elijah Price (Mr. Glass) from Unbreakable.
David Dunn, played by Bruce Willis, then appears, acknowledging the reports and stating the man’s name: “Mr. Glass.” This shocking reveal establishes Split as part of the Unbreakable universe, retroactively making it a superhero origin story for both The Beast and Casey Cooke. This sets the stage for Glass, the sequel that brings these characters together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of Split
What exactly is dissociative identity disorder (DID)?
DID, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, or identities, that recurrently take control of the individual’s behavior. These different identities often have unique names, histories, and characteristics. The switch between personalities can be sudden and dramatic, and individuals with DID often experience gaps in memory and difficulty recalling personal information.
Is the portrayal of DID in Split accurate?
While Split uses DID as a central plot device, it’s important to note that the portrayal is highly exaggerated and not representative of the experiences of most individuals with the condition. The superhuman abilities attributed to The Beast are purely fictional and should not be taken as a realistic depiction of DID. It’s essential to approach the film as a work of fiction and not a documentary on mental illness. Many advocacy groups for DID have criticized the movie for its potentially harmful and inaccurate portrayal.
What is the significance of Casey’s scars?
Casey’s scars represent her history of abuse and trauma. In The Beast’s twisted logic, these scars are proof that she has suffered and is therefore “worthy” of survival. He sees her as one of the “cleansed” because she has experienced pain and hardship, contrasting her with the “unbroken” who he believes must be eliminated. This highlights the film’s themes of trauma, resilience, and the search for meaning in suffering.
Why does The Beast spare Casey?
The Beast spares Casey because he recognizes the suffering she has endured. His goal is to eliminate those who have not experienced pain and hardship, believing they are weak and unworthy. Casey’s scars prove to him that she is not “unbroken” but rather “cleansed” through her trauma, aligning with his twisted vision of a superior species.
What is the meaning of the diner scene at the end?
The diner scene serves as a crucial connection point to the Unbreakable universe. By mentioning the “incident 15 years ago” and Elijah Price (Mr. Glass), the scene confirms that Split is set in the same world as Unbreakable. This revelation recontextualizes the entire film, transforming The Beast from a simply disturbed individual into a potential supervillain.
How does Split connect to Unbreakable and Glass?
Split establishes that both Kevin Wendell Crumb (The Beast) and David Dunn exist within the same universe as Elijah Price (Mr. Glass) from Unbreakable. Glass then brings these three characters together, exploring their interconnected stories and the implications of their superhuman abilities. The trilogy explores themes of identity, trauma, and the nature of heroism and villainy.
What is the significance of the name “The Beast”?
The name “The Beast” is symbolic of the monstrous persona that Kevin’s fractured mind creates to cope with his trauma. It represents the raw, animalistic power and rage that he has suppressed for years. This persona allows him to feel powerful and in control, albeit in a destructive and horrifying way.
What is the role of Dr. Karen Fletcher in the film?
Dr. Karen Fletcher is Kevin’s psychiatrist and a key figure in understanding his condition. She is a strong advocate for individuals with DID and believes in their potential for healing. However, she underestimates the power of The Beast and ultimately becomes a victim of his violent actions. Her research and understanding of DID are crucial to Casey’s understanding of Kevin.
How does the movie use horror elements to explore the themes of trauma and identity?
The horror elements in Split are used to create a sense of unease and fear, reflecting the internal turmoil and fragmentation of Kevin’s mind. The grotesque imagery and violent acts of The Beast are symbolic of the destructive power of unresolved trauma and the struggle for identity. The film uses horror tropes to explore the dark side of the human psyche and the potential consequences of unchecked mental illness.
Why did M. Night Shyamalan choose to incorporate DID into a superhero narrative?
M. Night Shyamalan likely chose to incorporate DID into a superhero narrative to explore the idea that extraordinary abilities can arise from extreme trauma. He uses the concept of fractured identities to create a character with superhuman strength and agility, suggesting that the human mind is capable of incredible feats when pushed to its limits. This also allows him to examine the nature of heroism and villainy, blurring the lines between good and evil within a single individual.
What is the “Horde”?
“The Horde” refers to the collective of Kevin’s multiple personalities. It’s the term used to describe the group of identities that vie for control of Kevin’s body. Different personalities within the Horde have different agendas and desires, leading to internal conflict and ultimately, the emergence of The Beast.
Does Split have a sequel?
Yes, Split has a sequel titled Glass, released in 2019. Glass brings together David Dunn (from Unbreakable), Kevin Wendell Crumb (The Beast, from Split), and Elijah Price (Mr. Glass, from Unbreakable) in a mental institution, exploring their interconnected stories and the consequences of their superhuman abilities.