Split (2016)

Split (2016) is an American psychological horror thriller film written, directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan. The movie begins with a birthday celebration for Claire, where her classmate Casey is also present. While talking to her father, Claire mentions that Casey often gets into trouble with teachers and ends up in detention. When Casey asks for a ride home, she is informed that the car has broken down. Later, as they are about to take the bus, Claire’s dad insists that they come home with them. On the way, an unknown man named Kevin approaches Claire’s dad, who then gets into the car with them. Initially thinking it was a mistake, Claire realizes something is off when Kevin puts on a face mask and sprays them with some sort of toxin that renders them unconscious. Even as Casey tries to escape through the door, she too falls prey to Kevin. He brings all three girls to a windowless room in an unfamiliar location and takes Marcia out first. A while later, Marcia struggles back in after wetting herself from fear.

Claire relays Kevin’s request for her to dance, prompting the group to strategize together. Casey remains composed and suggests investigating their captor’s motive before taking action. In a flashback, young Casey is taught by her father and Uncle John, both seasoned hunters. Uncle John shares a story of being distracted while hunting a deer. Meanwhile, therapist Dr. Karen Fletcher learns about the missing girls’ case on the news, including Claire’s father waking up to an empty car. Soon after, she receives an urgent email from Barry, one of Kevin’s alters who speaks with a thick Boston accent when meeting with Karen in therapy. Despite their efforts, the girls are still searching for an escape route.