Split
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.
Despite its modest budget of $9.0M, Split became a box office phenomenon, earning $278.5M worldwide—a remarkable 2994% return. The film's fresh perspective connected with viewers, demonstrating that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Split (2017) reveals meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of M. Night Shyamalan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 14-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 57 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Casey sits alone at a birthday party, isolated and withdrawn, while her peers socialize. We see her as an outsider in her ordinary world, hinting at deeper trauma.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Kevin/Dennis abducts the three girls from the parking lot by spraying Claire's father unconscious. The normal world is shattered as the girls are taken captive.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Patricia appears and tells the girls they are sacred food for "the Beast," revealing the true supernatural horror they face. This is the point of no return into a world beyond rational explanation., moving from reaction to action.
At 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Dennis takes Marcia away. The stakes are raised as the girls are separated, and it becomes clear that Kevin's personalities are preparing for "the Beast's" arrival. The threat becomes imminent and personal., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Beast emerges fully, killing and devouring Claire and Marcia. Dr. Fletcher arrives but is killed. Casey witnesses the complete transformation into a superhuman predator. All hope seems lost., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 94 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The Beast escapes into the world. Casey is rescued by authorities. News reports reveal Kevin's crimes. Casey is returned to her uncle (her abuser), but her knowing look suggests she will no longer remain silent about her trauma., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Split's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 14 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Split against these established plot points, we can identify how M. Night Shyamalan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Split within the horror genre.
M. Night Shyamalan's Structural Approach
Among the 13 M. Night Shyamalan films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Split represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete M. Night Shyamalan filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more M. Night Shyamalan analyses, see Glass, The Visit and Unbreakable.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Casey sits alone at a birthday party, isolated and withdrawn, while her peers socialize. We see her as an outsider in her ordinary world, hinting at deeper trauma.
Theme
Claire's father mentions how people with mental illness can seem normal on the surface. This establishes the theme of hidden identities and the battle between different selves within one person.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Casey's isolated life, the birthday party setup, Claire and Marcia's friendship dynamics, and the mall parking lot setting. We see Casey's reluctance to engage with others and hints of her troubled home life.
Disruption
Kevin/Dennis abducts the three girls from the parking lot by spraying Claire's father unconscious. The normal world is shattered as the girls are taken captive.
Resistance
The girls wake up in a locked room and debate what to do. Casey observes and strategizes while Claire and Marcia argue about escape plans. Interspersed with Dr. Fletcher's sessions with Kevin, revealing his Dissociative Identity Disorder and introducing multiple personalities.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Patricia appears and tells the girls they are sacred food for "the Beast," revealing the true supernatural horror they face. This is the point of no return into a world beyond rational explanation.
Mirror World
First extended flashback to young Casey with her father and uncle on a hunting trip. This subplot reveals Casey's trauma and mirrors the current captivity—both situations where she must survive predators. Her uncle represents the original "beast" in her life.
Premise
The psychological thriller unfolds as the girls encounter different personalities (Hedwig, Patricia, Dennis), attempt various escape plans, and learn the rules of their captivity. Casey uses her trauma-informed survival skills while flashbacks reveal her abuse. Dr. Fletcher grows concerned about Kevin's dangerous alters.
Midpoint
Dennis takes Marcia away. The stakes are raised as the girls are separated, and it becomes clear that Kevin's personalities are preparing for "the Beast's" arrival. The threat becomes imminent and personal.
Opposition
Casey befriends Hedwig to gain advantage, discovering the personalities' internal power struggle. Claire is taken and sacrificed. Dr. Fletcher visits but fails to recognize the danger in time. The Beast's emergence grows closer as Kevin's protective personalities lose control.
Collapse
The Beast emerges fully, killing and devouring Claire and Marcia. Dr. Fletcher arrives but is killed. Casey witnesses the complete transformation into a superhuman predator. All hope seems lost.
Crisis
Casey faces the Beast alone in desperate survival mode. She uses all her skills to evade the creature through the underground tunnels. The final flashback reveals the full extent of her childhood sexual abuse, her darkest trauma.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The Beast escapes into the world. Casey is rescued by authorities. News reports reveal Kevin's crimes. Casey is returned to her uncle (her abuser), but her knowing look suggests she will no longer remain silent about her trauma.
Transformation
Casey sits in the police car, looking at her uncle through the window. Unlike the opening where she was passive and withdrawn, she now meets his gaze with awareness and quiet strength. The victim has become a survivor with agency.