Glass (2019)

If it wasn't for Glass, I probably would have never seen Unbreakable, one of the best origin films ever, nor Split, its marvellous standalone sequel. If I hadn't loved those two films, on the other hand, I would have never sat through two hours of whatever the hell Glass is. 

Set immediately after Split, Glass opens with an aged David Dunn (Bruce Willis) who, helped by his son, Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark), tries to stop Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy) and the twenty-four personalities that reside within him. Things don't go exactly as planned and both David and Kevin are locked up in a mental hospital where David's archenemy, Elijah Price aka Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson), is also staying. As if that wasn't bad enough, David has to deal with a psychiatrist (Sarah Paulson) who is out to prove that the three men do not have super-human abilities. 

The plot was neither Unbreakable nor Split's strongest suit, so I was not expecting anything grand from Glass under this aspect. Unfortunately, it turned out to be even worse than anticipated. Not only it makes no sense whatsoever, it features twists that, at the same time, are predictable and unexpected as they are completely devoid of logic, and it just basically just a lame excuse to have the three characters reunited in one film, but it's not interesting, it's not compelling, it just simply does not keep you hooked like its predecessors did. 

The main reason both Unbreakable and Split worked for me was the characters —while not every single one of them had the depth or development they deserved, they were interesting —especially Kevin—, likeable and realistic. In Glass, they have the same issues —they are shallow and the development is nearly nonexisting—, only this time they are pretty uninteresting and quite annoying to be honest, especially the psychiatrist.

The performances are also disappointing. Bruce Willis gives a dull, uninspired performance as he essentially sleep-walks through the entire film; Samuel L. Jackson is mediocre to say the least as Mr. Glass; Anya Taylor-Joy, who reprises her role of Casey, has barely something to work with; and the same goes with Sarah Paulson who not only is given absolutely nothing to do but has the most excruciating lines of dialogue.

Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

M. Night Shyamalan's direction is also pretty bland and boring. The film indeed lacks the tension and suspense required by a psychological thriller —this is what Glass is supposed to be, right?—, there's no atmosphere, and the cinematography is lifeless.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel though, and it's James McAvoy's performance as Kevin and his multiple personalities. Already the most compelling aspect of Split, McAvoy is yet again mesmerizing, and the switching between personalities is more impressive than ever. This guy is just fascinating to watch and about the only logical reason to watch Glass.

Split (2016)

After watching and loving Unbreakable, I followed Sid's suggestion, and I checked out its (standalone) sequel, Split.

The story follows Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), a teenager with a traumatic past, and two of her classmates, Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia (Jessica Sula), who are kidnapped by Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder. While the three girls try to find a way to escape, Crumb's psychologist, Dr. Karen Fletcher (Betty Buckley), delves deeper in his disorder and realises there's something wrong with him.

Plot-wise, there isn't much to say as it's a pretty simple story with some twists —at times predictable— and turns along the way. Also, it's not the most appropriate thriller storytelling as there is more telling than showing. And yet the story is very interesting, compelling, and suspenseful, and will keep you on the edge of your seat for a great portion of the film's running time.

Just like with Unbreakable, the reason Split works as good as it does is the characters. While Casey's friends couldn't be any more clichéd than that, the character of Casey is nicely written, she is given a backstory through flashbacks, and, although she's the typical girl with a troubled past, you cannot help but root for her. It also helps that Anya Taylor-Joy gives a good performance and she is able to deliver the chemistry that gradually builds between her character and her abductor. Amongst the secondary characters, Betty Buckley gives a convincing performance as Dr. Fletcher.

As for Crumb, he is such an interesting, fascinating villain because of his multiple personalities we get to meet —whether it's Denis or Patricia trying to protect Kevin, the artistic Barry, or the goofy and funny 9-year-old Hedwig, the character is always compelling. Most of the credits go to James McAvoy for delivering yet another outstanding performance. We don't get to see all of Kevin's twenty-three personalities, but he nails every single one we meet —homosexual, heterosexual, man, woman, young, old, kid, beast, he's always convincing and believable. My favourite personality? Hedwig. Although McAvoy kind of sounds like Tommy Wiseau when playing the 9-year-old boy, he is a delight every time he's on screen, and he's the reason I cared about Kevin.

Universal Pictures

Just like its predecessor, Split is slowly paced but M. Night Shyamalan manages to build tension and suspense nevertheless, and with the help of a creepy, uneasy atmosphere —enhanced by the beautiful cinematography, sets and the score from West Dylan Thordson— delivers an intense and terrifying film.