It’s surprising how many epic multi instalment stories weren’t planned as such in the beginning. Usually coming to fruition when the original story ignited the imagination of the public, or become so profitable that expansion is needed. In 2001, the film Unbreakable didn’t do too well to warrant continuation yet in 2016, the surprise sequel Split, sold significantly. Now in 2019, the final chapter came to fruition with a conclusion aptly named Glass.

It’s been three weeks after the events of Split, and The Horde killings still haven’t ceased but luckily for us, neither has David Dunn. With his son Joseph, now all grown up, and a new name, The Overseer. He sets out to stop The Horde once and for all. During the confrontation, both are captured and committed to Raven Hill Memorial Mental Institute, the same institution that harbours Mr Glass. Inside this asylum where doubts about their abilities are stirred as the definition of what makes a hero is put to the test.

It’s the moment fans of the franchise have been waiting for finally seeing McAvoy’s deliciously fiendish superpowers coming up against the stoic might of The Overseer. It’s impressive how quickly he manages to get back into the roles, practically all the personas of Crumb make a return, as does former captive Casey. The film also sets out to answer what happened to Mr Glass after 16 years? The once-great mastermind reduced to a vegetative state, despite this Jackson still proves to be intriguing with just a simple stare.

It’s not all just familiar faces though. We are also introduced to the head of the facility a Doctor Staple, played by Sarah Paulson is a great marriage of character and actress with Paulson’s professional but caring demeanour excellent for the role. The cases she makes for why these powers might be little more than delusions of grandeur are intriguing and adds a nice psychological trace to the film that M. Night Shyamalan, once again, succeeds in bringing to the limelight. The film also employs liberal use of colour and other symbolistic totems to help convey a deeper meaning another one of M. Night Shyamalan.

Glass is a finale that isn’t really a finale. The roughly two-decade-long story arc of Unbreakable is finally resolved yet it begat new storylines that I can see being explored. The story is an intriguing look at the idea of superheroes where the idea of the superhero has vastly evolved in popular culture. But taken as a stand-alone experience, with a focus on action, strong sense of style & technique, and a final ode to the world of comic books, it is safe to say that Glass shatters all expectations.

If you want more positive reviews delivered to the e-mail box of your choice, you can click on that little text bubble at the bottom of the screen. Do you agree or disagree? or have a suggestion for another pop-culture artefact that needs a positive light shone on it? Leave a comment in the comment box below! But remember to keep it positive!