Glass (2019) Movie Review

Glass Movie Review: A Twisted Superhero Tale

Mar 24, 2025 4 min read Glass Movie Review: A Twisted Superhero Tale backdrop image

Welcome to my movie review of M. Night Shyamalan's Glass, a riveting blend of drama, horror, sci-fi, and thriller genres. Buckle up, folks, because this film is a wild ride as it brings together Shyamalan's universe and pits its characters in a dramatic showdown. As a fan of both movies and superheroes, I was thrilled to see Bruce Willis, James McAvoy, and Samuel L. Jackson reprise their iconic roles.

In Glass, our favorite security guard with a knack for supernatural detective work, David Dunn (played by Bruce Willis), crosses paths with Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy), a seriously disturbed dude with a staggering 24 personalities. Together with Elijah Price, aka Mr. Glass, played by Samuel L. Jackson, they paint a fascinating canvas of moral ambiguity. The film asks: What really makes someone a hero or villain? And can we even trust our own mind? The unique premise of exploring the blurred lines between good and evil is what really sets this film apart from your typical superhero flick.

The acting here? Absolutely top-notch—James McAvoy is an acting powerhouse as he effortlessly switches from one personality to the next, keeping the audience on their toes and proving yet again why he’s one of today's finest actors. Willis, with his subdued but intense presence, adds depth to David Dunn, while Samuel L. Jackson brings an intelligent and cunning charm to Glass. Behind the camera, Shyamalan's direction is visually striking, though at times, it feels like he’s trying to squeeze every ounce of suspense out of scenes that might otherwise flow better with a bit more restraint. The cinematography is lush, full of shadows and light that complement the eerie atmosphere of the film. However, the screenplay might leave you a tad puzzled—some of the dialogues meander more than illuminate.

Comparing Glass to other movies in the same genre, it attempts to carve out its own niche amidst more conventional superhero films like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the dark grittiness of The Dark Knight series. In many ways, Glass feels like a spiritual sibling to films like Unbreakable and Split, yet it doesn't quite hit the dramatic highs or cohesive storytelling of those films. Honestly, it's an ambitious narrative juggling many elements—not all of which land seamlessly. Still, there’s something enticing about facing a film that dares to add layers to the standard superhero mythology.

So, should you check it out? If films that delve into the psychological aspects of heroism and villainy while bringing a fresh twist on the superhero genre pique your interest, then this movie is definitely a must-watch. Yet, if you're someone who prefers straightforward narratives with a bang-for-buck action sequence, you might find Glass a bit slow-paced or convoluted. But remember, this is Shyamalan—we're here for the twists and turns! And it’s not just any movie—it’s a cinematic masterpiece of nuanced proportions.