Have you ever asked yourself what lies beneath the world we know nothing about? What our eyes ignore to see, and what we’re unable to hear? What if, while we’re asleep at night, all the fantastic creatures, men and women, in masks go out to fight in the name of justice? And by the time we open our eyes, we pick up things where we left them off at night? I like to think that the universe we live in is more fun than it appears. That it has secrets to keep from us, because our safety is the major concern to those who control the truth.
Set in Philadelphia, “Glass” is the third instalment of the trilogy and follows-up after “Split” and “Unbreakable” to bring all the three main characters together, Kevin, David and Mr. Glass. David Dunn (Bruce Willis) continues using his superpower to protect people from criminals. With the help of his son, he learns about Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), who suffers from dissociative identity disorder that holds in him multiple personalities, keeps a group of cheerleaders. Knowing that it might be dangerous facing off someone who might be more unpredictable than David might think, he still goes after him, and in fact, succeeds in his mission.
That’s when we meet Dr. Ellie Staple (Sarah Paulson), who specializes in patients who think they have super powers. The doctor has three days to convince the three men, Kevin, David and Eliljah (Samuel L. Jackson) they have none and that everything they think is just a piece of their imagination. But she is yet to learn about the origin of their power, as what the three men share between each other is poetic and romantic in a way. But soon the doctor will realize that sometimes it’s not science or all the fancy education she might have gotten to end up leading that far-advanced psychiatric facility, but her eyes that can see what the same science will fail to explain.
There is a lot going on in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Glass”. First, he perfectly connects the dots, creates a perfect atmosphere you will find difficult not to be a part of. Excellently written lines or richly written scenes allow the character to fully develop, unfold, and reveal through excellent performances delivered by the great James McAvoy (someone should really award him for his astounding and mind-blowing performance), Bruce Willis, the always getting better Samuel L. Jackson, and also worth mentioning, Sarah Paulson, whose character is not just a random character, but rather a noticeable figure that is yet to play her most important game of her life.
“Glass” has everything you need to enjoy your two hours – a bit of humor, intense storyline, action scenes, and even a love story. I am afraid I won’t be able to reveal more than I already have. Shyamalan delivers a satisfactory piece that all the “Unbreakable” and “Split” fans will enjoy thoroughly. But do not worry if you happen to have not seen either of them. “Glass” is one of those films that won’t confuse you or send you back to watch the first two parts of its trilogy. Even watching the final piece you will be able to find yourself briefed quickly to what really happens in this superhero world, and why the same world is kept in the dark for the sake of humanity.
To conclude, as for “Glass”, it is the exact place where you want to find yourself in. And it’s not Philadelphia, nor Metropolis, it’s the environment that will have all the revelations kept in a Christmas box to slowly unwrap, so you won’t get a heart attack due to the events that will unfold right before your eyes. And if you really want to know what “Glass” is all about before you go the theater, then why don’t you go up, leave the chair you’re sitting on behind and go towards the window. Take a deep breath and look outside of your window. Enjoy the view but do not forget to pay attention to details. Because everything that you see is larger than your eyes can see. And now, close them and begin picturing a fascinating world, the same way as Shyamalan’s “Glass” – it has everything and nothing at the same time. Because it’s all about what you want to believe in and what you don’t. And when you do, you’re the winner. Because the revelation is what saves the world.