Nineteen years after the release of “Unbreakable” and three years after the release of “Split” comes M. Night Shyamalan’s final instalment in the superhero trilogy “Glass.”
Events of the first two films act as a setup for the final film. In “Glass,” David Dunn (Bruce Willis) and Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy) are sent to a mental institution where Dunn’s arch enemy, Elijah Price/Glass (Samuel L. Jackson), is being held. It is the mission of Dr. Elle Staple (Sarah Paulson) to cure the trio of their superhuman delusions. All three characters have different philosophies when it comes to dealing with life.
Dunn believes he is truly unbreakable because he was the sole survivor of a train crash. He never was ill and survives horrific accidents. He is the morally good guy and a responsible family man.
Crumb and Glass see the world from the opposite viewpoint. Crumb has multiple personality disorder and believes a human being is only worth anything if they go through some catastrophic suffering. He believes the ones who suffer are the ones who are redeemed.
Glass stated in “Unbreakable” he believes there exists somebody who is his opposite. Glass is the “bad guy.” He believes comic books are a significant part of history going back to even ancient times.
All three of these perspectives come crashing together in this third film. Staple is obsessed with curing them of their “disease.” Crumb, as we saw in “Split,” has 24 personalities. Casey Cooke (Anya Taylor-Joy) befriends Kevin in the film because he is mentally ill and alone. Cooke was one of the girls kidnapped and released in “Split.”
Glass is that brilliant villain. While the Beast is bent on sheer destruction, Glass has a greater plan for Dunn.
While the pacing of the movie was less than enjoyable, the cinematography was amazing and dialogue immensely engaging. The best aspect of “Glass” was McAvoy’s performance. He said all his lines with the different character traits and accents in one take and it was a marvel to watch.
The overall message of the film hit me the most. It’s about finding courage in yourself and being the best you can be. Shyamalan’s vision for the film registered with me and he accomplished what he wanted to in this film. This last film was a wrap to his own Avengers trilogy. Glass’ plan for all three journeymen is revealed in a wild ride and Elijah’s true purpose is realized. They will forever call him Mr. Glass.