In M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, three teenage girls are abducted by Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and housing 24 distinct personalities, each vying for control. As the girls fight for survival, they discover Kevin’s most terrifying persona, “The Beast,” is about to emerge, potentially altering humanity’s place in the world.
The Core Narrative: A Breakdown of Split‘s Events
Split centers on the captivity of Claire, Marcia, and Casey, three seemingly ordinary teenage girls. They are kidnapped from a parking lot by Dennis, one of Kevin’s most dominant personalities. As they’re held captive in an underground facility, the girls are confronted by a rotating cast of Kevin’s personalities. These include the fastidious and controlling Dennis, the flamboyant and fashion-conscious Barry (who initially tries to help them), the manipulative Patricia, and the innocent Hedwig.
The girls quickly realize that their survival hinges on understanding Kevin’s condition and exploiting the weaknesses of his various identities. Casey, however, possesses a unique resilience borne from a traumatic childhood, setting her apart and potentially offering her the best chance of escape.
Meanwhile, Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin’s therapist, is convinced that his DID is granting him unique abilities. She believes his personalities are physically altering his body, a phenomenon she refers to as psychic potential. As she delves deeper into Kevin’s fractured psyche, she becomes increasingly concerned about the emergence of “The Beast,” a primal, animalistic personality with superhuman strength and abilities.
The film escalates as The Beast begins to surface. He is presented as a “superior” being, purging what he considers “impure” individuals. The girls, trapped and vulnerable, become his intended prey. Casey, however, drawing on her own experiences of abuse and survival, manages to connect with Kevin’s original personality, allowing him a brief moment of control. This connection and her own perceived “purity” (due to her history of abuse) spares her from The Beast’s wrath.
The film concludes with Casey’s rescue by authorities. While she is safe, the emergence of The Beast signals a chilling new threat. In a final scene, patrons in a diner are discussing the events, comparing it to another, older case. One person recalls the name “Mr. Glass” from that previous incident. The camera then reveals David Dunn (Bruce Willis) from Unbreakable, establishing Split as a sequel within Shyamalan’s Eastrail 177 Trilogy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Split
Is Kevin’s DID depicted accurately in Split?
While Split uses DID as a central plot device, it’s important to understand that the film takes significant creative liberties. The scientific community generally agrees that while individuals with DID can experience changes in physical characteristics (such as posture and gait) linked to different identities, the superhuman abilities depicted in the film are a work of fiction. Many mental health advocates have criticized the film for potentially stigmatizing individuals with DID and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The depiction of Kevin’s personalities as inherently violent is also not representative of the majority of individuals with DID. Therefore, while the film is entertaining, it shouldn’t be taken as an accurate portrayal of DID.
What exactly is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?
DID is a complex mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, each with its own pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self. These different personality states are sometimes referred to as “alters”. DID is often associated with severe trauma experienced during childhood, and it is believed to be a coping mechanism for dealing with overwhelming pain and distress. Individuals with DID may experience gaps in memory and a sense of detachment from their own bodies or surroundings.
Why is Casey spared by The Beast?
The Beast believes that Casey has suffered, making her “pure” and therefore worthy of survival. This is rooted in his warped view of suffering as a source of strength and an indication of someone being “unbroken.” He sees those who have not experienced trauma as weak and unworthy. Casey’s history of abuse, although horrific, inadvertently protects her from The Beast’s violence in his own twisted logic.
What does “purity” mean in the context of the film?
In Split, “purity” is a concept defined by The Beast as being free from the weaknesses of a comfortable, untraumatized life. He believes that those who have endured severe hardship, particularly trauma, have been forged into stronger, more resilient beings. Therefore, purity is not about moral goodness, but about having been tested and found worthy through suffering. It’s a distorted interpretation of survival and strength.
Who are the main personalities of Kevin?
The most prominent personalities in Split are:
- Dennis: A highly controlling and obsessive personality who initiates the abduction.
- Patricia: A cold and calculating female personality who often acts as the leader.
- Hedwig: A nine-year-old boy who is naive and easily manipulated, but sometimes helpful.
- Barry: A fashion-conscious personality who initially tries to help the girls.
- The Beast: A superhumanly strong and animalistic personality who sees himself as superior.
- Kevin Wendell Crumb: The original personality, lost within the multitude of alters.
How does Dr. Fletcher contribute to the story?
Dr. Fletcher plays a crucial role in understanding Kevin’s condition and the potential dangers he poses. She is a dedicated therapist who believes in the potential of DID to unlock uncharted areas of the human mind. Her research and attempts to understand Kevin inadvertently contribute to the emergence of The Beast. She represents the scientific fascination with the human psyche and the ethical dilemmas that arise when exploring the boundaries of mental illness.
What is the significance of the ending with David Dunn from Unbreakable?
The ending establishes Split as part of the Eastrail 177 Trilogy, connecting it to Unbreakable and later Glass. It reveals that the extraordinary abilities displayed by The Beast are part of a larger narrative about individuals with superhuman powers existing in the real world. This twist dramatically shifts the genre from psychological thriller to a superhero origin story with a realistic, grounded approach.
What is the symbolism behind the cracked mirror imagery?
The recurring image of cracked mirrors in Split visually represents the fractured nature of Kevin’s identity. Each crack symbolizes a split within his psyche, representing the many personalities that vie for control. The broken mirror also reflects the fragmented memories and trauma that contribute to his DID. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for the internal turmoil he experiences.
How does Casey’s past influence her ability to survive?
Casey’s traumatic past, filled with abuse and neglect, ironically equips her with the survival skills necessary to navigate her captivity. She is observant, resourceful, and emotionally detached, allowing her to remain calm under pressure and assess her surroundings strategically. Her history of abuse, as explained earlier, inadvertently makes her “pure” in the eyes of The Beast, granting her a measure of protection. Her trauma, paradoxically, becomes her strength.
What are some of the themes explored in Split?
Split explores several complex themes, including:
- Trauma and its impact on the human psyche: The film highlights the devastating effects of trauma on individuals and how it can manifest in unexpected ways.
- The nature of identity: Split questions what it means to be an individual and how identity can be fluid and multifaceted.
- The potential of the human mind: The film explores the idea that the human mind is capable of extraordinary feats, both positive and negative.
- Good versus evil: The emergence of The Beast raises questions about the nature of evil and whether it is inherent or a product of circumstance.
- Survival and resilience: Casey’s story is a testament to the human capacity for survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
What is the overall message of Split?
While open to interpretation, Split ultimately suggests that trauma can both break and empower an individual. While Kevin’s DID is a direct result of severe childhood abuse, it also unlocks extraordinary abilities within him. Similarly, Casey’s traumatic past, though horrific, grants her a unique understanding and resilience that allows her to survive. The film doesn’t necessarily glorify suffering, but it acknowledges that it can forge a certain strength and perspective. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the complexities of mental illness.
Will we see more of The Beast in future films?
The Beast plays a significant role in Glass, the final installment of the Eastrail 177 Trilogy. He clashes with both David Dunn and Mr. Glass, leading to a climactic confrontation that explores the full extent of his powers and his place within the larger narrative of superhumans existing in the real world. Therefore, Split serves as an origin story for a powerful antagonist whose story is further developed in Glass.