8 Years Later, M. Night Shyamalan’s Undisputed Masterpiece Is a Streaming Hit

M. Night Shyamalan directed James McAvoy in the 2017 supernatural thriller Split, which is currently seeing renewed attention on streaming services. Streaming data from FlixPatrol shows the critically acclaimed film is among the most-watched on HBO Max globally. Split was made with a reported budget of $10 million but went on to make over $275 million globally. Like all Shyamalan creations, it featured a massive twist at the end that tied it to some of his other movies.

Split is one of those rare films that unites critics and viewers, as seen on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. It currently holds a 79% score for both factions, indicating a broad consensus on its entertainment value. Critics singled out McAvoy for his performance of the various personalities featured. Haleigh Foutch reviewed Split for Collider and noted McAvoy’s prowess in bringing the characters to life. “Because of McAvoy’s skill, we are able to know and empathize with every personality presented to us (even the three behind the sinister inciting act of the film), and Shyamalan uses that opportunity to alternately fun and emotionally engaging effect,” she wrote in her review. Regarding that twist, Foutch said:

“As for the final moments, it’s not a twist in Shyamalan’s conventional sense, but as I advised earlier, you’d do well to avoid it. It’s an extremely fun tag that made most of the audience scream “WHAT?” at the screen, and I have to admit I couldn’t stop smiling for about twenty minutes after the film. Because it’s Shyamalan, most of us spend the runtime waiting for the twist, but this one is so off the wall and so unconventional there’s truly no way you’ll ever see it coming.”

What’s Next for M. Night Shyamalan?

The venerable director continues to deliver twists and turns in his horror niche, and his next projects are in the same vein. Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor have been tapped to lead his next movie, Remain. Described as a romantic thriller, the film is also based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks. Ashley Walters (Adolescence), Julie Haggerty (Marriage Story), Jay O. Sanders (His Three Daughters), and Tracy Ifeachor (The Pitt) have also been cast. Meanwhile, Shyamalan is collaborating with Brad Falchuk (American Horror Story) and Mattel on Magic 8 Ball, a supernatural drama series. The duo, who serve as co-creators, will try “to reimagine the classic Magic 8 Ball as the centerpiece of a high-concept, character-driven supernatural drama that blends psychological intensity with cultural intrigue.” Neither project has a release date yet.

Stream Split on HBO Max, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.