Reviews: Glass (2019) Movie Review
Subgenres: Psychological, Superhero
Exploring Glass (2019) through our review, we cover its story, scares, and how it fits into the broader horror genre landscape.
Glass (2019), written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is the long-anticipated conclusion to a trilogy that began with Unbreakable (2000) and continued with Split (2016). Touted as a grounded, cerebral take on the superhero genre, Glass brings together three unconventional characters — David Dunn, Elijah Price, and Kevin Wendell Crumb — into a single narrative. While the premise holds immense potential, the execution is polarizing, with moments of brilliance drowned out by tonal misfires, pacing issues, and a deeply divisive ending.
Glass (2019) – The Broken Reflection of a Superhuman Saga
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The story picks up not long after the events of Split. David Dunn (Bruce Willis), now operating as a street-level vigilante called "The Overseer," is on the hunt for Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), whose body hosts multiple identities — including the terrifying Beast. After their confrontation lands both men in a psychiatric facility, they are joined by Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), aka Mr. Glass, a genius mastermind with brittle bone disease who orchestrated the events of Unbreakable.
Inside the hospital, Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson) begins a psychological campaign to convince the trio that they are not superhuman at all — that their beliefs are delusions. This sets the stage for a cerebral battle between belief and skepticism, reality and myth, and ultimately, order versus chaos.
Themes of identity, perception, destiny, and power are heavily present, and Shyamalan clearly has big ideas. He explores the notion that society is uncomfortable with people who don’t fit the mold — particularly those who see themselves as more than average. But while the themes are rich, their delivery often feels uneven or rushed.
Character-wise, McAvoy continues to steal the show, fluidly shifting between personalities with eerie precision. Jackson is quietly menacing as Elijah, and Willis offers a subdued but steady performance as the aging hero. Unfortunately, David’s arc is underwritten compared to the others, and his final moments leave a lot to be desired.
Acting and Cinematography
James McAvoy is the undeniable standout. His physicality, facial expressions, and vocal control make each of Kevin’s personas feel distinct. His transition between characters — sometimes in a single take — is mesmerizing and showcases immense talent.
Samuel L. Jackson plays Mr. Glass with calculating calm, speaking little but always observing. His character finally gets the spotlight in the film’s second half, where he shifts from passive patient to brilliant manipulator. Bruce Willis, while fitting for the quiet strength of David Dunn, feels underutilized and often sidelined.
The cinematography by Mike Gioulakis (who also worked on It Follows and Split) is excellent. Carefully composed shots, unique framing, and muted color palettes reflect each character’s psychological state. Shyamalan uses reflections, long takes, and wide shots to enhance the film’s sense of unease. Visually, Glass is confident and refined.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
M. Night Shyamalan aims to deconstruct the superhero mythos — not with explosive battles or CG spectacle, but with intimate drama and unsettling restraint. That ambition is admirable, but his storytelling choices won’t sit well with all viewers. The film’s tone often shifts awkwardly between slow-burn thriller and philosophical allegory, and some sequences feel overly drawn out.
The third act — where expectations of an epic showdown are subverted — is the film’s most controversial element. The climax opts for a quiet, grounded finale rather than the explosive battle audiences may have expected. For some, it’s a clever rejection of superhero spectacle. For others, it’s a frustrating fizzle that undercuts character arcs built over two decades.
Strengths:
James McAvoy’s transformative performance
Stylish cinematography that enhances mood and symbolism
Ambitious deconstruction of superhero tropes
Unique trilogy structure that subverts blockbuster expectations
Weaknesses:
Pacing issues throughout, especially in the second act
Underwhelming use of David Dunn, a key franchise character
Divisive ending that may feel unsatisfying or abrupt
Overly talky scenes that slow momentum and dilute tension
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
Glass is a thoughtful but uneven finale that attempts to redefine what a superhero story can be. It’s ambitious, subversive, and at times brilliant, but also flawed, slow, and emotionally detached. Fans of Unbreakable and Split will appreciate the connections and character depth, but casual viewers may find the film’s pacing and subdued action difficult to engage with. It’s more introspective chamber piece than crowd-pleasing climax — and whether that’s a triumph or a misstep depends entirely on what you expect from a superhero showdown.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Glass Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 5.26/10
- IMDB: 6.6/10
- MetaCritic: 4.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 3.7/10
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