Child psychologist Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is shot by a former patient, who then kills himself. Feeling responsible for the death, Crowe sees a chance to assuage his guilt by helping the troubled young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), who claims to be haunted by ghosts. As the bond between the doctor and his charge grows, Crowe becomes more and more estranged from his wife, who he suspects of having an affair. This psychological drama features one of Hollywood's most celebrated twist endings.