"THE SIXTH SENSE"{1999}

Divorcee Lynn Sear (Toni Collette) is a good mother. Like most single parents, hers is not an easy row to hoe. Son Cole (Academy Award Nominee Haley Joel Osment) is a very troubled little boy. We're not talking your average difficulties here. Cole sees the dead---and we're not talking Jerry Garcia folks. Slight of build, self possessed, and nerves a supply side of Prozac couldn't dull, Cole is referred to by himself and his schoolmates as "a freak". If they only knew his secret they'd understand why he is the way he is. Frankly given what he's dealing with, to say nothing of the normal problems attendant with children (particularly boys) of divorce, I'd say Cole is coping admirably.

Caring, successful, and revered child psychiatrist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is helping Cole with his problem. Dr. Crowe is the only one who knows Cole's secret. Previously, the doctor had a patient with similar symptoms: nervous, paranoid, (you know the drill). This patient didn't get well, so Dr. Crowe feels obligated to get it right this time for Cole. Initially, Dr. Crowe thinks Cole is suffering from hallucinations, but eventually comes to realize that he's not just having visions.

M Night Shyamalan's script flows naturally, doesn't talk down to children as unfortunately many hollywood writers tend to do. Not since "The Shining" has there been such a creepy, yet sweet little boy, and a story that gives a good scare. Good direction as well. The scenes with Willis and Osment are very touching without being cloying or sentimental. Toni Collette is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses. Her scenes where she and her son are having heart to hearts about his increasingly troubling behavior are excellent. Conveys the exasperation and concern that any single parent could relate to and anyone whose not can surely empathize with.

Another pleasing thing about this film is the director's symbolic use of color [visitors to this site know I have a soft spot for this technique: reference the review for Eyes Wide Shut]. As you know I try not to have any 'spoilers', but look for the color red for clues to solving Cole's problem. Another bonus here is an outstandingly unexpected plot twist. Hitchcock calibre.