Child psychologist Malcolm Crowe sees young Cole as his chance to make up for past wrongs, but Cole’s problems may not be easy to solve. This is my favorite Shyamalan film because it’s well-crafted in every aspect. The pacing is perfect. The subtle scares are deliberately placed. Even the colors are meaningful. The fractured relationship at its core between Cole and his mother is what makes it memorable. They love and care for each other, but communication has broken down completely. Cole can’t be truthful with his mother because she will take the real reason for his fear as mental illness. His mother is frantic and helpless not knowing how to help her son. This conflict and its resolution imbue the film with relatable and realistic emotions that elevate it above and beyond his other films.
