Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen girls in danger in smart, satisfying, scary thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Split
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Based on 81 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is both thrilling and disturbing, featuring strong themes of violence, mental illness, and abuse that are deemed appropriate only for mature audiences, typically recommended for those 13 years and older. While some viewers appreciate the inventive storytelling and acting, particularly that of the lead character, others criticize the graphic depictions of violence and the portrayal of mental health issues, making it a divisive choice among young viewers.
- mature audience
- strong violence
- mental illness
- disturbing themes
- graphic content
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SPLIT, teen birthday girl Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) is finishing up a party with her friend Marcia (Jessica Sula). But her "mercy invite," troubled Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), can't find a ride home. Claire's dad prepares to drive them, but then a mysterious man (James McAvoy) kidnaps all three girls and locks them in a windowless room. They notice that he acts strangely, showing different personalities and holding conversations with himself. Unbeknownst to the girls, the man goes to see his therapist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley), who tries to communicate with his 23 personalities. But he warns her of the coming of "the Beast," an all-powerful monster that could be a twenty-fourth -- and who might just have an appetite for teen girls.
Is It Any Good?
Filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan launches a full-fledged comeback with this tense, satisfying horror-thriller. Split is refreshingly infused with thoughtful ideas and sly suggestion, rather than gore or brutality. Shyamalan has had quite an up-and-down career; in 2016 he tested the waters with the small-scale The Visit, and he now makes a bold return to his Sixth Sense and Unbreakable glory days. Split actually resembles the latter film in some ways, rooted in real-world theories about the elastic limits of human possibility.
As ever, the director's camerawork is above reproach; he creates a sinister, windowless, underground lair, smoothly snaking with corridors, dingy doors and pipes, and harsh pools of light. His writing is subtler here than in other films, with a few odd touches but confident overall. Best of all are the two leads: Joy (The Witch) has an awesome, ethereal presence, and McAvoy conveys at least a half-dozen of his character's personalities with an uncanny, haunting clarity. Split is a smart movie that will undoubtedly leave viewers thinking -- and discussing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Split's violence. How much takes place on screen vs. off? Does that approach soften the impact of the violence?
Is the movie scary? Why or why not? What tools and tricks do filmmakers use to scare viewers? Why is it sometimes fun to be scared?
How does Split compare to other movies about dissociative identity disorder (multiple-personality disorder)?
Do you believe the human mind is capable of asserting control over the body, possibly correcting and curing diseases and disorders or gaining strength?
How does Split compare to Shyamalan's other movies? How is it similar? How is it different? What is he known for?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 20, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : April 18, 2017
- Cast : James McAvoy , Haley Lu Richardson , Anya Taylor-Joy
- Director : M. Night Shyamalan
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing thematic content and behavior, violence and some language
- Last updated : September 15, 2023
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