Glass

Official Australian release date: 17/1/19. Viewed: 19/1/19.

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Actors: James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson

Genre: Drama / Sci-Fi

Rating: M

     

‘Glass’ is the final film in the trilogy that started with ‘Unbreakable’ back in 2000, where we met reluctant hero, the indestructible David Dunn (Willis) and the evil mastermind with brittle bones, Elijah Price/Mr Glass (Jackson). Then, in ‘Split’, we met (most of) the 24 personalities of Kevin Crumb (McAvoy) – he deserves to be nominated for an Oscar for these roles. This film does well to bring together, by having them in a mental hospital being analysed by Dr Staple (Paulson), who thinks they have superhero delusions.

It’s a bit slow in parts, as we delve into the psychosis that may be affecting each of them, but there’s the inevitable break-out and final ‘battle’. Shyamalan does well to reference comic books and superheroes, whilst treading the line between homage and imitation. The colour motifs throughout are excellent and the soundtrack is good. Nice support from Casey (Taylor-Joy), Joseph (Clark) and Mrs Price (Woodard), all reprising their roles.

Fitting conclusion, with a not-totally-groundbreaking twist, but still something you’re unlikely to see coming. Final scene is great. While Willis is understated and Jackson doesn’t get too much actual screen time, the film belongs to McAvoy – he’s excellent as Patricia/Dennis/Hedwig/The Beast (as the main four personalities we see) and brings something different to each character he portrays.  

Overall: Solid comic book film without being over-the-top.

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.