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Split

*Split* is a 2016 American psychological thriller film written, directed, and co-produced by M.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Split is a 2016 American psychological thriller film written, directed, and co-produced by M. Night Shyamalan. It stars James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Betty Buckley, and follows a man with dissociative identity disorder who abducts three teenage girls. The film is a stealth sequel to Unbreakable (2000) and the second installment in the Unbreakable trilogy.

Premise

The film follows a man with dissociative identity disorder who kidnaps and imprisons three teenage girls. As the girls try to escape, the story focuses on the man’s shifting identities and the threat of a new persona.

Production

M. Night Shyamalan wrote, directed, and produced the film. It is connected to his earlier film Unbreakable and is positioned as part of a larger trilogy.

Cast

The principal cast includes James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Betty Buckley. The film also features supporting performances from several other actors in the girls’ and psychiatrist roles.

Release and reception

Split premiered in 2016 and was released in U.S. cinemas in 2017. It is widely identified as a psychological thriller or psychological horror film.

Key facts

  • The film is a stealth sequel to Unbreakable (2000) and the second installment in the Unbreakable trilogy.
  • James McAvoy plays a character with multiple identities.
  • The plot centres on three teenage girls held captive in an underground facility.
  • The film was released theatrically in the United States in 2017 after its 2016 premiere.

Frequently asked questions

What is Split about?
It follows a man with dissociative identity disorder who abducts three teenage girls and holds them in an underground facility.
Who directed Split?
M. Night Shyamalan directed, wrote, and co-produced the film.
Is Split connected to another film?
Yes. It is a stealth sequel to Unbreakable (2000) and the second installment in the Unbreakable trilogy.
Who stars in Split?
The main cast includes James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Betty Buckley.
What genre is Split?
It is generally described as a psychological thriller, and also as a psychological horror film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split_(2016_American_film)
    Supports: Director, cast, premise, and connection to Unbreakable trilogy
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Split-2016-American-film
    Supports: Film identification and basic classification
  3. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Split_(pel%C3%ADcula)
    Supports: Release timing, cast, and trilogy context