Solemn horror

Rating: 7/10 (7 February 2003)

Horror films are usually garish and camp. But this must be the most understated entry ever in the genre, with its mood of quiet portentiousness and overwhelming solemnity. And though the final twist is neat, its also very clearly telegraphed. What saves The Sixth Sense is some fine acting, from Bruce Willis as the so-concerned psychologist, and Joel Harvey Osment as the child who sees ghosts. It's very nicely done, but not so original. Other films (Truly Madly Deeply, Kieslowski's No End) have played with similar material; and put some more life into death than we see here.