The Sixth Sense features one of the most iconic plot twists in cinematic history. However, just two years later, The Others emerged with a similar surprise that caught audiences off guard. The twist in The Sixth Sense revolves around a young boy named Cole, who confides in his therapist that he has the ability to see spirits. M. Night Shyamalan’s knack for crafting unexpected endings has established him as a prominent figure in film. Although The Others is equally haunting, it hasn’t garnered the same level of recognition, despite its compelling narrative and chilling atmosphere.

The Others is often hailed as one of Nicole Kidman’s most remarkable performances. In the film, Kidman portrays Grace Stewart, a mother residing in a secluded country estate with her two children, both of whom are photosensitive and cannot be exposed to sunlight. When three individuals arrive seeking work, Grace hires them as help, but soon strange occurrences unfold within the home. The children’s sensitivity to light creates a unique dynamic where darkness becomes a sanctuary, contrasting with the light that is depicted as a threat. This intriguing aspect of The Others not only heightens the suspense but also adds depth to the narrative, making it a memorable cinematic experience.

Discover How The Others Mirrors The Sixth Sense’s Plot Twist

The Others’ Twist Ending Completely Transforms The Narrative

In a gripping twist, when Grace and her children encounter what she refers to as the intruders, it is revealed they are indeed living individuals conducting a séance to contact the deceased. The shocking climax of The Others unveils that Grace and her children are in fact dead, with Grace having suffocated them with a pillow before taking her own life. This strikingly parallels the twist in The Sixth Sense, where Bruce Willis’s character experiences a similar revelation about his own death, stemming from the tragic events surrounding his patient’s troubled past. While the twist in The Sixth Sense serves as a conclusion, The Others leaves the narrative open-ended, suggesting further complexities.

The Others intricately weaves a ghost story from the perspective of the very spirits involved. This innovative approach drastically shifts the audience’s understanding, as it becomes evident that the ghosts themselves are haunted by the living. The chilling séance scene exemplifies this fresh perspective, where traditional horror tropes are turned on their head, compelling viewers to empathize with the ghosts. Upon rewatching The Others, even the seemingly sinister characters emerge in a more relatable light, revealing the fear they harbor about exposing their true identities to someone they know is capable of violence.

Understanding The Effectiveness Of The Others’ Horrific Twist

How The Sixth Sense And The Others Subtly Indicate Their Protagonists’ Deaths

Although both The Sixth Sense and The Others share a similar twist, the setups create a striking contrast in audience perception. The Sixth Sense unfolds a straightforward narrative focused on a therapist assisting a troubled boy, whereas The Others presents a more intricate plot, rich with ghost story tropes and numerous mysteries. The atmospheric tension and distractions surrounding the haunted house effectively obscure the truth. Even if viewers suspect a tragic past involving murder, Grace seems the least likely to have committed such an act, despite the film dropping subtle hints throughout.