M. Night Shyamalan did it again! Entering Shyamlan’s universe requires you to be prepared for twists, horror, and psychological insights. The 1999 psychological horror film ‘The Sixth Sense’ stars Bruce Willis as a child psychologist and the film is one of the best works of Mr. Shyamalam. The theme of the movie is very deep, shocking, and emotional.
‘The Sixth Sense’ is one of the best works of Shyamalan, which was nominated for six Oscars – Best Supporting Actor for Haley Osment’s performance, Best Director, and Best Picture. It develops a weird and emotional connection between a child and his therapist. After all these years, the end still gives you goosebumps and makes you weep. In the end, the movie is all about perspective and the existence of the spirit world.
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‘The Sixth Sense’: Malcolm’s Big Secret Explained
Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist met with an unfortunate incident leading him to introspect life. He quickly befriends his young patient, Cole Sear, who reminds him of Vicent, his ex-patient. He develops an instant need to help Cole, as it is the only way for him to get out of guilt and reconcile with his wife. But of course, it is M.Night Shyamalan’s movie, so how can it end on a plain and simple note?
Cole is gifted with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, which Malcolm does not believe initially. He simply thinks Cole is delusional and considers dropping the case. When Cole confides Malcolm with his ‘secret’ he says the ghosts only see what they want to see and are unaware that they are dead. This is where the movie gets interesting. Eventually, Malcolm advises Cole to guide the ghosts and help them instead of being scared of them. And in return Cole asks Malcolm to talk to his wife, when she is asleep. Now here is when it gets twisted and confusing.
The movie’s climax is emotional and develops the character in a way, that they are compassionate about others. The shocking secret of ‘The Sixth Sense’ is that Malcolm is dead from the beginning and his only way to redeem his actions is by helping Cole. When Malcolm sees his wedding ring fall from Anna’s hand and notices that his ring finger is bare, he starts realizing it. This scene in particular is melancholic and necessary because the couple knows it’s time to move on. Malcolm is stunned and heartbroken when he recalls the night of his death.
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What Does ‘The Sixth Sense’ Mean?
‘The Sixth Sense‘ is one of the few horror movies that did not focus a lot on eerie noises, jump scares, or scary ghost faces. Rather it brings us a lovely, emotional bond between two strangers, who depend on each other to survive through life. Malcolm and Cole, both unlock a very different meaning of death. There is a debate that still goes around- if Cole is aware that Malcolm is dead from the beginning. In my opinion, Cole is well aware that Malcolm is dead because of the instant connection they share with the spirit world. And that is the reason why he says that ghosts aren’t aware that they are ghosts.
See the thing about death, is that it is inevitable, but the way one perceives it matters. Cole Sear witnesses ghosts all the time and is aware of the reason behind their death. Through this, Cole understands that death needs to be accepted to move on from the human realm. On the other hand, Malcolm, holds on to life, believing that he has something more to accomplish. After helping Cole and letting go of his wife, he gets his closure and with immense pain accepts death.
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