M Night Shyamalan's "Split" is a Psycho/Thriller Hit Starring James McAvoy

Amer dir/screenwriter M Night Shyamalan (b India 1970) has had major screen hits ("The Sixth Sense" & "Signs") and numerous flops that earned him several razzie awards for major movie misses.  "Split" which stars James McAvoy as a schizophrenic killer who dons multiple personnas, all convincingly.  McAvoy (b Scotland 79) is best known for his "X-Men" film series & "Atonement" opposite Kiera Knightly plays Dennis/Kevin & at least 20 more characters in a role(s) that should earn him acting accolades.  The film is a taut psychological drama that handles mental illness & abuse with gravitas and compassion.  Still, "Split" is intended to be as disturbing in similar ways as "Room" with 3 young teens being abducted & held in captivity.  And, it is also a cunning movie about resourcefulness, resiliency and EERIE!  Shyamalan is known for sci-fi, mystifying & horrifying filmmaking.  When successful, as in "Split," Shyamalan creates convincing characters in scary scenarios that are credible.  McAvoy, a veteran & talented actor is pitted against a troubled ingenue, Casey, (Anya Taylor-Joy) in a powerful & star making performance. Taylor-Joy (b Amer 1996) is an Amer/British/Argentine actress we'll be seeing a lot more of in the future.  Casey was raised by an abusive uncle.  Her beloved father who died when she was young taught to hunt & to figure out how to stay alive by utilizing patience & her senses.  The flashbacks of Casey as a young girl are as troubling as the terrifying imprisonment & torture she and 2 classmates fall victim.  Casey was viewed as a troubled outsider by her peers. She proves cunning, resourceful & determined to free herself & the others.  The 2 other teens are also formidable.   Their alliance is steadfast against their mentally deranged captor.  Dr Fletcher (Betty Buckley "Carrie" & "Cats" on Bwy) is memorable in her role as the psychiatrist treating Dennis for his multi-personality disorder.  Dr Fletcher believes people suffering from psychosis may be hybrids "having unloked the potential of the brain, opening the doorway to all things unknown & supernatural."  Her theory is debunked by her peers but unfortunately proves fatally true.  I'm recommending "Split" in large part due to the strong performances by McAvoy & Taylor-Joy.  It's also a smart thriller which delivers chills and insights.  Shyamalan could've edited a little more & his "wink" of an ending diminishes the gravitas of the film.  However, "Split" fits into his hit category & puts him back on top of the horror/thriller genre.