The ending of Split signifies a crucial turning point for the film’s narrative and, more importantly, establishes its undeniable connection to M. Night Shyamalan’s previous work, Unbreakable, effectively launching the Eastrail 177 Trilogy. This culmination transforms Split from a chilling psychological thriller into a superhero origin story, revealing that Kevin Wendell Crumb’s fractured mind, embodied by “The Beast,” represents a terrifyingly real supervillain.
The Revelation: Unbreakable and the Dawn of Heroes and Villains
The final scene of Split shifts dramatically away from the immediate aftermath of Casey Cooke’s survival in the underground bunker. News reports detailing the events at the Philadelphia Zoo play on a television in a diner. The news anchors struggle to comprehend the nature of “The Horde,” referring to Crumb’s multiple personalities, and question whether to believe the reports of superhuman abilities. A patron, recognizing the news, mutters about another incident in Philadelphia, one involving a man in a poncho. This prompts a counter from a woman who asks: “What was his name…that guy in the wheelchair?” David Dunn, the protagonist of Unbreakable, is then revealed, confirming the shared universe and the existence of superhuman beings.
This reveal isn’t merely a cameo for nostalgic purposes. It frames the entire narrative of Split as an origin story, not just for The Beast, but potentially for other latent superhumans. The existence of David Dunn as a real-life superhero validates the possibility of others possessing extraordinary abilities, both heroic and villainous. Shyamalan deftly reframes the audience’s perception, prompting them to view Kevin Wendell Crumb’s Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) as the catalyst for unlocking a dormant power.
Understanding The Beast’s Powers
The Beast’s powers, as demonstrated in Split, are multifaceted and terrifying. They are largely tied to the mental shift enabled by Kevin’s DID. When “The Beast” personality takes control, Kevin’s body undergoes physical transformations, granting him superhuman strength, agility, and durability. He can climb walls, tear through steel, and withstand significant physical trauma.
However, his powers are also symbolic. The Beast represents the unchecked potential of the human mind, pushed to its breaking point and beyond. He is a product of trauma and suffering, and his abilities reflect the dark side of human resilience. His cannibalistic tendencies further reinforce his monstrous nature and his disregard for human life.
The Significance of Casey Cooke’s Survival
Casey Cooke’s survival is crucial to understanding the thematic undertones of Split. Unlike the other victims, Casey has also endured significant childhood trauma. Her history of abuse allows her to empathize with Kevin, even as The Beast terrorizes her. This shared experience, combined with her calm demeanor and strategic thinking, enables her to survive The Beast’s attacks.
Casey’s survival highlights the idea that trauma, while devastating, can also forge resilience and a unique understanding of others. It doesn’t excuse The Beast’s actions, but it provides a layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that even within the darkest corners of the human psyche, there is the potential for connection and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of Split
FAQ 1: How Does Split Connect to Glass?
Split serves as the direct prequel to Glass, the final installment in the Eastrail 177 Trilogy. The ending of Split sets the stage for David Dunn’s confrontation with The Beast. Glass brings together David Dunn, Kevin Wendell Crumb, and Elijah Price (Mr. Glass) in a mental institution, exploring the dynamics between these three individuals with extraordinary abilities. Glass directly addresses the ending of Split by showing the immediate public reaction and David Dunn’s desire to stop The Beast.
FAQ 2: What is the Significance of the “They’re Real” Line at the End?
The line “They’re Real,” spoken by a diner patron, signifies the wider implications of Split‘s ending. It acknowledges the existence of individuals with superhuman abilities beyond just David Dunn, suggesting a world where superheroes and supervillains are not just figments of imagination. This statement highlights the film’s core concept that the limits of human potential are far beyond what society typically accepts. This adds weight to the entire universe, meaning The Beast is no longer just a psychological experiment, but a real threat to societal stability.
FAQ 3: Why Does The Beast Only Kill the “Untouched”?
The Beast believes that only those who have suffered, who have been “broken,” are worthy to inherit the earth. He sees the “untouched” as weak and undeserving. This twisted ideology stems from Kevin’s own traumatic experiences as a child. He aims to purge the world of those who haven’t experienced similar suffering, creating a new world populated by the “evolved,” those who have been shaped by hardship. This also serves as a narrative mechanism for the audience to see Casey as the “evolved” and worthy character.
FAQ 4: What Role Does Dr. Fletcher Play in the Ending?
Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin’s psychiatrist, initially believes she can help him manage his DID. However, as The Beast emerges, she becomes a target. She leaves behind notes detailing the weaknesses of The Beast. Her research is crucial in understanding the potential and limitations of Kevin’s condition. While she doesn’t directly impact the final diner scene, her work and her character become essential to the broader narrative arc.
FAQ 5: Is Casey Cooke a Hero in Split?
While Casey is not presented as a traditional superhero, she undoubtedly embodies heroic qualities. Her resilience, intelligence, and empathy enable her to survive her ordeal. She outsmarts The Beast through her understanding of his multiple personalities and her calm demeanor in the face of extreme danger. These traits, arguably, make her a hero in her own right, even without superpowers.
FAQ 6: How Does Shyamalan Use Misdirection in Split?
Shyamalan masterfully employs misdirection throughout Split, leading the audience to believe they are watching a straightforward psychological thriller. The focus on DID and the disturbing nature of Kevin’s personalities distracts from the underlying superhero origin story. The final scene pulls the rug out from under the audience, revealing the true nature of the film’s connection to Unbreakable and Glass. This is typical of his directorial style.
FAQ 7: What is the Significance of The Beast’s Cannibalism?
The Beast’s cannibalistic tendencies represent his complete detachment from humanity. It symbolizes his embrace of his monstrous nature and his rejection of societal norms. It also illustrates the extreme extent to which his personality has warped, driven by his traumatic past and his belief in his own superiority. In essence, it is his defining characteristic.
FAQ 8: What Does the Ending Suggest About the Nature of Good and Evil?
The ending of Split blurs the lines between good and evil. Kevin, a victim of severe abuse, becomes The Beast, a monstrous killer. David Dunn, an ordinary man, becomes a reluctant superhero. The film suggests that potential for both good and evil exists within everyone, and that traumatic events can trigger the emergence of extraordinary abilities, regardless of moral alignment.
FAQ 9: Are There Other Hints to the Unbreakable Connection Before the Ending?
While the explicit connection is revealed at the end, there are subtle hints throughout Split. The film explores themes of untapped human potential, the power of belief, and the impact of trauma – all central to Unbreakable. Some speculate the color palettes share similarities with the other films in the trilogy. These subtle thematic links foreshadow the shared universe.
FAQ 10: Why Did Shyamalan Choose to Reveal the Connection at the Very End?
Shyamalan likely chose to reveal the connection at the very end for maximum impact. By withholding the reveal until the last moment, he creates a powerful emotional and intellectual response from the audience. It transforms the entire viewing experience, forcing viewers to re-evaluate the film in the context of a larger narrative. It is a classic Shyamalan twist.
FAQ 11: How Does Split Comment on Mental Illness?
Split has been criticized for its portrayal of DID, with some arguing that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes. However, the film also explores the real-world impact of trauma and the challenges faced by individuals living with mental health conditions. While The Beast represents an extreme and fictionalized manifestation of DID, the film also acknowledges the complexity and individuality of mental illness.
FAQ 12: What is the Overall Message of the Ending of Split?
The ending of Split conveys a powerful message about the untapped potential within humanity, both for good and for evil. It suggests that trauma can unlock extraordinary abilities, and that the line between victim and villain is often blurred. The reveal of the Unbreakable connection expands the scope of the narrative, hinting at a larger world where superheroes and supervillains are real, and the future is uncertain. The ending serves as a prelude to the events of Glass and reinforces the idea that humanity’s potential is far greater and more complex than previously imagined.