The Sixth Sense

REVIEW
With a child's fearful pronouncement of "I see dead people," writer-director Shyamalan's suspenseful psychological thriller enters into the realm of the supernatural and never falters in delivering credible, unnerving chills. Willis is Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a renowned child psychologist who -- in the film's unsettling beginning -- is shot by a former patient. A year later, Crowe begins counseling a troubled nine-year-old, Cole (Osment), who initially refuses to open up about his painful secret: He can communicate with the dead. As the two engage in soul-searching conversation, Crowe soon discovers that Cole may be telling the truth. Shyamalan doesn't resort to boo-type scares to get the pulse racing and hairs standing on end. His is a thinking man's horror tale, one that finds its scares in the possibilities of the unknown. His great cast certainly helps, too. Willis is at his best, wisely underplaying his part, and Collette is touching as Cole's mother. But the acting honors go to young Osment, who brings a world-weary sadness to Cole; it's a remarkably nuanced and subtle portrayal, as potent as the unpredictable and surprise ending.