Today’s quick review: The Sixth Sense. After a violent encounter with a former patient, child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) struggles to pick up the pieces of his professional life and his marriage. Hoping to make up for his failure, Crowe takes the case of Cole Sean (Haley Joel Osment), a moody nine-year-old boy who shows signs of abuse. But as he grows closer to Cole, Crowe uncovers a secret that’s stranger than he could have imagined.
The Sixth Sense is a mystery thriller from writer and director M. Night Shyamalan that examines the relationship between a psychologist and a troubled child. Precise acting, tight cinematography, and a careful plot allow The Sixth Sense to hook the audience and draw them into the film’s mystery. The reward for their invesment is a well-told story with masterful plot twists, sympathetic chracters, and a tone that’s unnerving and touching in turn.
The Sixth Sense assembles a fascinating story out of mundane pieces. The movie’s bread and butter are the thoughtful, lonely, and occasionally beautiful moments of everyday life. Malcolm and Cole spend the bulk of the movie just talking. But slipped in among these ordinary moments are hints at something mysterious and frightening. Cole’s odd habits and the inexplicable incidents that surround him all point to a deeper truth, if only Crowe can find it.
Like many of Shyamalan’s movies, The Sixth Sense is a slow burn. The movie takes its time to establish its characters and situation before it lets slip any major revelations. It is a testament to the quality of the film’s execution that it is able to keep the audience’s interest long enough to reach its payoff. But the hooks are strong, the characters are nuanced, and the writing is meaningful, making the film’s slow build-up feel just right.
Also like Shyamalan’s other work, The Sixth Sense walks a fine line between thriller and horror. The movie does dip into horror territory as it shows what Cole is going through, including one or two shocking moments and some effective suspense. But The Sixth Sense never takes the plunge into pure horror, instead using it as a tool to tell a personal, dramatic story. The resulting watch does have tension but won’t overwhelm most viewers.
Give The Sixth Sense a shot when you’re in the mood for a deliberate mystery with excellent craftsmanship and effective emotional core. The Sixth Sense is M. Night Shyamalan at his best, delivering a combination of thoughtful writing, artistic presentation, and keen plot twists in just the right proportions. Those looking for a fast-paced thriller, a full-blown horror movie, or a feel-good watch should hold off.
For a darker mystery from M. Night Shyamalan, try The Village. For one with a slightly lighter tone and a focus on family, try Signs. For an even tenser psychological thriller, try Shutter Island. For another unusual, heartfelt relationship between a psychiatrist and a patient, try K-PAX.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for a great story and polished execution.