The Unbreakable trilogy, masterfully crafted by M. Night Shyamalan, weaves a complex narrative of extraordinary individuals hiding in plain sight. To fully appreciate the interconnectedness of Unbreakable, Split, and Glass, the definitive viewing order is: Unbreakable (2000), Split (2016), and Glass (2019). This sequence allows for the slow burn reveal of Mr. Glass’s plan and the gradual unveiling of Kevin Wendell Crumb and his multiple personalities.
The Correct Chronological Viewing Order
The beauty of the Unbreakable trilogy lies in its unconventional storytelling. Shyamalan doesn’t spoon-feed the connections. Instead, he reveals them subtly, allowing the audience to piece together the puzzle as the story unfolds. Watching the films in the order listed above allows for maximum impact and avoids spoilers regarding character origins and overarching plot points. Starting with Unbreakable establishes the universe and introduces David Dunn, the reluctant hero. Split then introduces the Beast and its connection to the larger narrative, culminating in Glass, where all three central figures clash.
Deep Dive: Unpacking Each Film
Understanding the significance of each film’s placement in the trilogy enhances the viewing experience. Here’s a closer look at why this chronological order is crucial:
Unbreakable: Laying the Foundation
Unbreakable serves as the origin story. We meet David Dunn, a security guard who survives a devastating train crash unscathed. Elijah Price, later known as Mr. Glass, contacts him, believing David possesses extraordinary abilities. This film establishes the core concept of latent superhuman abilities and the existence of individuals on opposite ends of the spectrum: the unbreakable and the fragile.
Split: The Revelation of the Beast
Split introduces Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) with 23 distinct personalities. As the film progresses, a 24th personality, known as “The Beast,” emerges, showcasing superhuman strength and agility. The end of Split features a crucial scene where David Dunn is mentioned on the news, directly connecting it to Unbreakable and hinting at a larger universe. Watching Split before Unbreakable would rob the viewer of this powerful reveal.
Glass: The Collision of Titans
Glass brings David Dunn, Kevin Wendell Crumb/The Beast, and Elijah Price/Mr. Glass together. The film explores their abilities within a mental institution, controlled by Dr. Ellie Staple, who believes they are simply deluded individuals. Glass is the culmination of the trilogy, showcasing the conflict between these three characters and revealing the truth about their powers and their place in the world. Watching Glass before the other two films would eliminate all the build-up and dramatic tension carefully crafted in Unbreakable and Split.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the order and context of the Unbreakable trilogy:
1. Is it absolutely necessary to watch the movies in order?
Yes, for the best and most rewarding viewing experience, it is highly recommended to watch the movies in the correct chronological order. The storyline builds upon itself, and significant plot points are revealed gradually. Watching the films out of order will spoil key surprises and diminish the overall impact.
2. Does watching Glass spoil Split or Unbreakable?
Yes, watching Glass before Split and Unbreakable will spoil significant plot points and character revelations. It’s best to follow the chronological order: Unbreakable, Split, then Glass.
3. What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and how is it portrayed in Split?
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. Split portrays DID through Kevin Wendell Crumb, a character with 23 different personalities. While the film takes liberties with the science behind DID, it does highlight some aspects of the disorder, such as the ability of different personalities to have distinct physical and psychological traits. However, the superhuman abilities displayed by The Beast are a fictionalized exaggeration.
4. Who is Mr. Glass and what is his motivation?
Mr. Glass, also known as Elijah Price, is a highly intelligent but brittle-boned individual who believes that if he exists as a person with extreme fragility, there must also be someone at the opposite end of the spectrum: someone unbreakable. His motivation throughout the trilogy is to find and reveal the existence of this extraordinary individual to the world, even if it means causing widespread destruction and chaos.
5. What are the powers of David Dunn?
David Dunn possesses superhuman strength, durability, and a form of psychic intuition that allows him to perceive the evil deeds of others through physical contact. He is essentially “unbreakable,” able to withstand injuries that would be fatal to ordinary people.
6. What is the connection between Split and the other two movies?
The connection between Split and Unbreakable is revealed at the end of Split, when David Dunn is mentioned on the news in connection to The Beast’s actions. Glass further explores this connection by bringing David Dunn, Kevin Wendell Crumb/The Beast, and Elijah Price/Mr. Glass together, establishing them as the central figures in a larger narrative about extraordinary individuals living in the real world.
7. Is there a post-credit scene in any of these movies?
Yes, Split has a post-credit scene that directly connects it to Unbreakable, showing David Dunn watching news coverage of The Beast and acknowledging the events of the previous film. This scene is crucial for understanding the trilogy’s interconnectedness.
8. Are there any plans for further films in the Unbreakable universe?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for further films in the Unbreakable universe. M. Night Shyamalan has stated that Glass concludes the trilogy, but the possibility of exploring other stories within the same world remains open.
9. Where can I watch these movies?
The Unbreakable trilogy is available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Apple TV. They are also often available on DVD and Blu-ray. Availability may vary depending on your region.
10. Is the Unbreakable trilogy considered a superhero franchise?
While not adhering to the traditional superhero tropes, the Unbreakable trilogy is often considered a deconstructed superhero franchise. It explores the concept of superheroes and villains within a realistic and grounded context, focusing on the psychological and emotional impact of possessing extraordinary abilities.
11. Are the comics mentioned in Unbreakable real?
The comic books mentioned in Unbreakable are fictional creations designed to illustrate the archetype of heroes and villains within the film’s universe. They serve as a commentary on the superhero genre and the role of comic books in shaping our understanding of good and evil.
12. What is the overall theme of the Unbreakable trilogy?
The overall theme of the Unbreakable trilogy is the exploration of potential and purpose. It examines the idea that everyone has a unique destiny and that it’s important to embrace one’s true nature, even if it means facing challenges and adversity. The films also delve into the concepts of good versus evil and the search for meaning in a seemingly ordinary world.
By following the recommended viewing order – Unbreakable, Split, then Glass – audiences can fully appreciate the intricate storytelling, character development, and thematic depth of this unique and thought-provoking trilogy. Enjoy the journey into the fractured minds and hidden heroes of M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable universe!