M. Night Shyamalan's 2016 film Split presents a compelling, albeit dramatized, exploration of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) through its central character, Kevin Wendell Crumb, who exhibits 23 distinct personalities. While the film undeniably captivates audiences with its suspenseful narrative and Joaquin Phoenix's intense performance, its portrayal of DID raises questions about its accuracy and ethical implications. This essay will argue that Split, while offering a thought-provoking fictional depiction of a complex mental health condition, ultimately prioritizes narrative tension over a nuanced, scientifically grounded representation of Dissociative Identity Disorder, potentially contributing to public misconceptions.
The film centers on Kevin, a man suffering from DID, who kidnaps three teenage girls. His various personalities, each with unique characteristics and motivations, emerge and interact throughout the story. One personality, known as "The Beast," a seemingly superhuman entity, drives the narrative's climax. This particular aspect of the film, while thrilling, deviates significantly from clinical understanding of DID. Current diagnostic criteria, as outlined in the DSM-5, do not include the development of supernatural abilities or physical transformations tied to personality shifts. The portrayal of The Beast serves a cinematic purpose, amplifying the horror and suspense, but it risks conflating a severe mental illness with fantastical elements. This artistic license, while common in fiction, can blur the lines between reality and imagination for viewers less familiar with DID.
Furthermore, Split tends to sensationalize the fragmentation of identity. While individuals with DID do experience distinct personality states, often referred to as alters, the film depicts these shifts as dramatic and overtly observable. The transitions are frequently marked by physical changes and distinct vocalizations, creating a spectacle that, while entertaining, may not accurately reflect the often more subtle and internally experienced nature of identity switching for many individuals. The film also focuses heavily on the "worst-case scenario" of kidnapping, which, while providing a dramatic conflict, does not represent the everyday lives and struggles of individuals living with DID. The lived experience of DID is often characterized by attempts at integration, managing trauma triggers, and navigating social stigma, aspects that are largely sidelined in favor of the thriller genre's demands.
Despite its dramatic liberties, Split does touch upon some accurate elements of DID. The concept of alters serving as protective mechanisms, or manifesting specific coping strategies developed in response to severe childhood trauma, finds a basis in the psychological understanding of the disorder. For instance, some of Kevin's personalities seem to be rooted in his experiences, acting out in ways that reflect his past pain. The film also implicitly acknowledges the significant trauma that often underlies DID, a crucial element in the etiology of the disorder. However, these moments of potential accuracy are often overshadowed by the sensationalized aspects, leaving viewers with an impression that is more horror-movie monster than a person managing a complex mental health condition.
In conclusion, Split succeeds as a suspenseful thriller that utilizes the premise of Dissociative Identity Disorder to create a memorable antagonist. However, its cinematic objectives lead to a portrayal that prioritizes dramatic effect over clinical accuracy. By introducing supernatural elements like "The Beast" and sensationalizing the manifestation of alternate personalities, the film risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes and misinformation about DID. While it might spark curiosity about the disorder, its primary contribution is to the genre of psychological horror rather than to an informed public understanding of Dissociative Identity Disorder.