“The broken are the more evolved.” 

Kevin speaking with I’s and me’s when all the identities speak in we’s and us’s :( <\3

Split is such a marvel. Works in the same way 10 Cloverfield Lane does, as its own contained captive thriller and as a part of a wider, more fantastical universe. Grounded, sincere performances from all involved elevate an impassioned story to even greater heights. The cycles of abuse and trauma and how those experiences often propel people into prolonged isolation is such an interesting focus for the film to take on. Especially when set beside how Shyamalan uses faith and fanaticism here. Might be one of his most interesting uses of faith in how its presence feels so weighty. So much of this plays almost like a haunting, from the firm questioning of “who am I speaking with?” to the power of a name to the warping of religious language/the concept of purity for something violent and hungry.

Lands as one of Shyamalan’s standout works for me. Probably my favorite rewatch thus far.