Split (2016)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

Written by M. Night Shyamalan

Starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Haley Lu Richardson

     Director and writer, M. Night Shyamalan of past box-office successes like, Sixth Sense and Signs- brings us yet another psychological thriller with his name attached to it. This time around unfortunately, he does not triumph like in the past. Split was longer than it had to be, lacked his normal intensity and suspense, and left the possibility of a sequel with its choppy ending. The one good thing that came from this film for me was the interesting acting performance from McAvoy. 

     The movie begins with a birthday party involving two popular girls; Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia (Jessica Sula), and the outcast, Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy). Following the party the three girls are abducted by a deranged man (James McAvoy). We soon learn that this man suffers from a severe case of multiple personality disorder. He has 23 district personalities- three of which we see make a strong presence. We meet the "leader" Dennis, the motherly Patricia, and the childish Hedwig. The three personalities all speak of how the girls were brought there to feed the "Beast"- who is a possible 24th personality. The psychiatrist for the girls captor, Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley), thinks this alter may not be real, but we soon find out otherwise. 

     The remainder of the film proceeds as any other cliche thriller flick. The girls attempt to escape in many ways you would expect- physical assault against their captor, trying to outsmart him, or even using a hanger to un-lock a door. Most of the film was focused on the girls trying to escape, while the captor attended therapy sessions with his psychiatrist- which kind of took away from the suspense of the film. I understand the intent was to further allow us to understand the disorder that he is suffering from- however, the scenes with the psychiatrist took away from the film's tension. There were also some flashback scenes to Casey's childhood, which I remain unsure of their intent. 

     McAvoy's displays over a dozen personalities in this film, and obviously steals the spotlight with them. The other characters in the movie were pretty forgettable making it easier for McAvoy to shine. Anya Taylor-Joy does stand out from the other two girls considering they are perfect examples of horror movie cliches. She plays a pretty sullen character considering the circumstance she is involved in. 

     The ending sets this lacking thriller movie up for a sequel, which may be what we need considering the ending was left very opened. Overall, Split is missing the suspense I was seeking when I watched it. It had an interesting idea for a plot, with a man suffering from multiple personality disorder kidnapping three girls. However, the narrative was weak and left me disappointed. 

I give Split a...

5/10

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg

Written by Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken and Damien Chazelle

Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr. 

     A reboot of sorts of the 2008 horror/mystery film, Cloverfield- 10 Cloverfield Lane is brought to us with the same level of suspense and mystery. This mysterious horror film will leave you in suspense from start to finish. Director Dan Trachtenberg delivers his first big blockbuster hit with the assistance of a few writers including Damien Chazelle (yup, thats right- the director of La La Land is a writer for this film). 

     The movie begins with an intense car wreck which leaves Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), waking up in a basement, chained to the wall. Not knowing where she is or how she got there, she soon meets her captor, Howard (John Goodman). Along with former handyman of Howard, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.)- Michelle shortly discovers the apparent, imminent danger going on outside. She was taken into a doomsday bunker following her crash and the hulking, scary Howard claims he "saved her." According to him, apocalyptic events have occurred and it is not safe to go outside. He intends on the three of them staying inside the underground shelter until things are safe. Obviously Michelle is a skeptic, because what sane person who just awoke from a car wreck in a mysterious basement would be on board with this lunacy. As the movie progresses however, we soon learn that Howard's ramblings of the apocalypse may actually be true. 

     Trachtenberg does a superb job at maintaining this level of mystery throughout the entire film. Set in a much different environment than the original Cloverfield, there is never really a dull moment- which is quite possible considering the set of the movie is a claustrophobic underground bunker. The movie keeps us guessing constantly. Who really is Howard? A lonely savior who predicted the apocalypse- or a deranged kidnapper? Is the earth really under attack, and if so by what? 

This nail-biting level of suspense was hovering over me the whole film. 

     Although not a very big name, I liked Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the lead role. Her level of paranoia was never over-the-top like we see from a lot of female horror movie stars. She was calm and collect and secretive over her suspicions of Howard. John Goodman was very creepy- yet also had some scenes where you almost sympathized with his character. I can't see anyone else playing this role. 

     A real psychological thriller. The suspense never really lagged. This is one of those horror movies you really can't explain, when your friends ask you what it's about. It's a movie worth seeing if you're seeking a suspenseful mystery movie. The constant not knowing over what is going on in the outside, and who Howard really is- is what makes this movie scary. There's no forced "jumpy" scenes. Just a real psychological thriller. 

I give 10 Cloverfield Lane a...

7/10