A film about alienation

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 2002)

Though marketed as a horror film, this is really a moving drama about alienation. The boy is a disturbed child who's unnatural abilities have caused him to be ostrasized by his peers. The child psychiatrist is also disturbed; a confrontation with a former patient of his has left him feeling guilty and has put his marriage on the rocks. Both characters will seek redemption through each other.
I responded very strongly to this film. Anyone who has ever felt alienated from society will identify with Cole Sear and Malcom Crowe as I did. Director Shyamalan creates a creepy and melancholy atmosphere and sustains it for the whole of the film.
A word about the famous "twist" ending. It would urge people not to give it away in their comments even after inserting a SPOILERS warning. The film is highly dependent on viewers not knowing the ending. I saw this film on the first weekend that it was released when I didn't even know there was going to be a twist ending. I was completely blown away by it and felt a chill going across my body that lasted several days.
Also worth seeing; Shyamalan's underrated followup Unbreakable.