A young boy, Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), is struggling with a terrifying secret that leaves him feeling isolated from those around him. When child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) takes on his case, he attempts to understand the young boys unusual behaviour, in a bid to help him come to terms with what he experiences. However, as their relationship develops, it becomes clear that there is much more to the situation than initially meets the eye. A memorable supernatural thriller that successfully combines elements of drama, emotion, suspense and horror.
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writers: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan and released in August 1999, The Sixth Sense quickly established itself as one of the more notable supernatural thrillers of its era. The picture received widespread recognition upon its release, commanding a total of six Oscar nominations, including nominations under the categories of “Best Picture” and “Best Director”. While the film is often remembered for its famous twist and scare factor, there is also a much more emotional story at its heart, beyond just the frightening horror elements that many remember.
One of the more impressive aspects of The Sixth Sense and one that possibly gets overlooked, would have to be its cinematography and overall atmosphere portrayed by the filmmakers. The flick makes excellent use of its surroundings, with the quiet streets and traditional American housing providing an almost calm, familiar and tranquil feel as times – a complete contrast to the more unsettling elements of the story that unfold throughout the one-hundred and forty-seven minute runtime.
With that said, what really makes the picture stand out is its emotional depth and the relationship between its central characters. Of course, there are several haunting and suspenseful moments throughout, but the film rarely feels overly traumatic from a horror perspective. Instead, the story develops into an emotional journey, exploring fear, loneliness and human relationships. Viewed as a mature adult, these themes can strike a real chord, with certain scenes carrying a considerable amount of emotional weight.
In terms of the cast, Bruce Willis delivers a strong performance as Malcolm Crowe, providing the picture with a calm and dependable central figure. Haley Joel Osment is equally as noteworthy in his portrayal of Cole Sear. The chemistry between the two leads is particularly effective, with their interactions contributing to the film’s emotional strength. Elsewhere, Toni Collette and Olivia Williams provide support as Lynn Sear and Anna Crowe, respectively.
All in all, The Sixth Sense is an excellent supernatural thriller that benefits from its haunting atmosphere, effective cinematography and strong central relationships. While there are enough spooky moments injected to satisfy fans of the horror genre, the film’s emotional depth is arguably its greatest strength. A well-made film that manages to hold up extremely well, twenty-five years after its release.
“I see dead people.“
Cole Sear – The Sixth Sense
