Split trailers tease a James McAvoy one-man horror show
A second trailer for M. Night Shyamalan’s upcoming movie Split just debuted, but I’m only now introducing myself to the James McAvoy-starring thriller. The movie’s title is unfortunate, as Split sees McAvoy as a man with “at least 23 different personalities,” and the trailers hint at a supernatural/monster 24th personality that could be the twist Shyamalan is known for weaving into his films. As is, Split looks like a murder/kidnapping mystery similar to 2003’s Identity, and only time will tell if there’s more to the story. McAvoy looks like he’s having fun, so I’ll give this one the benefit of the doubt for now.
Watch the first and second full-length trailers for Split and read a plot synopsis after the jump.
The trailer above made the rounds way back in July, but it was admittedly off my radar. Shyamalan has driven on a bumpy road since his heyday, and most of the director’s recent work has done little to wow and amaze like the movies that made him a household name. Here’s hoping he continues to work out the kinks with movies like Split and finds his rhythm again. Check out the new trailer that just popped up:
Reviews for Split out of Fantastic Fest are fairly positive, attributing the success/creepiness of the movie to McAvoy’s performance(s), which is understandable. Not every actor gets to let loose with a number of different characters during the runtime of a film, and I wonder if we’ll get to see all 23-24 of McAvoy’s personalities. Fingers crossed.
If the trailers weren’t enough to fill you in on the story, here’s an official plot synopsis for Split for more details:
While the mental divisions of those with dissociative identity disorder have long fascinated and eluded science, it is believed that some can also manifest unique physical attributes for each personality, a cognitive and physiological prism within a single being.
Though Kevin has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher, there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey, Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him—as well as everyone around him—as the walls between his compartments shatter apart.
Split was directed by M. Night Shyamalan and stars James McAvoy, Betty Buckley, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jessica Sula. The movie hits theaters on January 20, 2017.