By: Jamie Rohlfing

M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film, “Glass,” is the culmination of narratives which began in his previous works, “Unbreakable” (2000) and “Split” (2016). The closing scene of the latter foreshadowed the last installment of the “Unbreakable” trilogy. Intertwining the stories of Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), David Dunn (Bruce Willis), and Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), the film is slow and meticulously detailed to start. While it is possible to understand this film without seeing the first two, the latest addition hints back to details from the others, making it more exciting through noticing its intricacies.

The majority of the film focuses on the relationship between multi-personality serial killer Crumb and the physically unbreakable David Dunn. The narrow proximity between the two men is drawn out for an extensive portion of the film. From this point forward, the plot moves quickly. Immediately following the contact between the two, Dr. Elie Staple (Sarah Paulson) retains them in a mental hospital, in addition to Elijah Price, also known as Mr. Glass. There, Dr. Staple questions the three superheroes’ supernatural abilities. Dr. Staple’s doubts regarding their powers creates personal uncertainties within and among each of the men.

With twists and shocks coming at a rapid fire pace as the film progressed, “Glass” maintained the interest of its audience. It was strange but beautiful, detailed but vague. Key details seemed to be left out of the film, especially throughout the second half, leaving the audience discontented and confused. Could this be an intentional exclusion of information suggesting that Shyamalan has more to come?