This movie is not scary, but it features two outstanding lead performances by Kathryn Erbe and Kevin Bacon. This performances are enabled by David Koepp's excellent dialogue. The first ten minutes of the movie focus on Bacon and Erbe sharing joy and concern over her unexpected pregnancy. Their comments and reactions seem very real, and they make very clear the stresses on working-class couples. You wouldn't expect this kind of writing in a horror picture. It's a welcome change.

The movie sags after its strong start and features a slew of horror movie clichs--sances, visions, and sudden loud noises. Critics say that similarities between The Sixth Sense and this movie are coincidental, but like me you'll probably wonder how much Koepp and Shamalyan might have stolen from each other. You will notice that Shamalayan had the stronger child actor, which may have resulted in The Sixth Sense's better box office success.

The movie picks up during its last half hour and features some very impressive plot twists that are completely unpredictable.

Expect a working-class drama that happens to have a ghost in it and you'll enjoy Stir of Echoes.
This movie is not scary, but it features two outstanding lead performances by Kathryn Erbe and Kevin Bacon. This performances are enabled by David Koepp's excellent dialogue. The first ten minutes of the movie focus on Bacon and Erbe sharing joy and concern over her unexpected pregnancy. Their comments and reactions seem very real, and they make very clear the stresses on working-class couples. You wouldn't expect this kind of writing in a horror picture. It's a welcome change. The movie sags after its strong start and features a slew of horror movie clichs--sances, visions, and sudden loud noises. Critics say that similarities between The Sixth Sense and this movie are coincidental, but like me you'll probably wonder how much Koepp and Shamalyan might have stolen from each other. You will notice that Shamalayan had the stronger child actor, which may have resulted in The Sixth Sense's better box office success. The movie picks up during its last half hour and features some very impressive plot twists that are completely unpredictable. Expect a working-class drama that happens to have a ghost in it and you'll enjoy Stir of Echoes.