Split

Split is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 18,420 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. James McAvoy anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Split is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The plotting gives Split its backbone, but it is the characters you come back for. 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. The writing gets a boost from James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy, who sell every scene they're in. It was released in 2017. Split is at its best in the quiet scenes between the plot beats, where the character work actually happens. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

If you cannot walk away from a good mystery, Split will keep you hooked. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. James McAvoy carries scenes that would sink a lesser production. The resolution feels inevitable rather than arbitrary, which is rarer than it sounds.