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Best M. Night Shyamalan Movies
13th Nov 2025
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M. Night Shyamalan. The name alone conjures images of unpredictable twists, compelling characters, and divisive critical reactions. From his breakout success with *The Sixth Sense* to the more recent explorations of his latest films, he's consistently delivered a unique cinematic experience that continues to spark debate. This poll aims to settle (or at least stir) the conversation surrounding his filmography by determining which of his movies reigns supreme. Prepare for some serious contemplation as you revisit iconic moments and unexpected reveals. Which Shyamalan film truly captivated you the most? Was it the chilling mystery of *The Sixth Sense*, the supernatural suspense of *The Village*, or perhaps the mind-bending spectacle of *Split*? No matter your preference, your vote counts! Take a moment to cast your ballot and share your pick for the best M. Night Shyamalan movie – let the results reveal the ultimate cinematic champion.
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#12.
Lady in the Water (2006)
12/17
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In this modern-day bedtime story, quiet apartment building superintendent Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) rescues what he thinks is a young woman from the pool he maintains. He soon discovers that she is Story (Bryce Dallas Howard), a narf—a character from a children's story—who is trying to make the perilous journey back to her home in the Blue World. As Cleveland learns the lore of her world, he realizes the tenants of his building have their own parts to play in this unfolding myth. He must work with his neighbors to protect his new friend from the vicious, wolf-like creatures, known as scrunts, that are determined to keep her in our world. While often cited as one of M. Night Shyamalan's most divisive films, *Lady in the Water* earns its place on a "best of" list as his most earnest and deeply personal work. Stripping away the high-concept horror of his previous films, Shyamalan crafts a sincere and heartfelt fairy tale that functions as a meditation on the power of storytelling and community. The film is a pure, unfiltered expression of his core belief that ordinary people have extraordinary purposes waiting to be discovered. For those willing to embrace its unique sincerity and overlook its narrative eccentricities, *Lady in the Water* is a beautifully shot, wonderfully scored, and ambitious film that represents the director at his most creatively uncynical and hopeful.
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The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense (1999) stands as a landmark psychological thriller, introducing audiences to Cole Sear, an eight-year-old boy tormented by a terrifying secret: he believes he can see into the world of the dead. When renowned child psychologist Malcolm Crowe is brought in to help Cole, he initially dismisses the boy's claims as delusions. However, as Malcolm delves deeper into Cole's isolated and fear-filled existence, he is forced to confront the unsettling possibility that Cole's visions are, in fact, real, and that the child truly "sees dead people." The film masterfully weaves a suspenseful and deeply emotional narrative around their burgeoning, fragile relationship, exploring themes of fear, communication, and the unseen. For these reasons, and many more, *The Sixth Sense* unequivocally belongs on any "Best M. Night Shyamalan Movies" list. It's not just a masterclass in building tension and emotional resonance, but it also delivered one of cinema's most iconic and impactful twist endings, forever changing audience expectations for Shyamalan's work. The film expertly blends supernatural horror with profound character drama, propelled by powerful performances from Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, and Toni Collette. It showcased Shyamalan's signature ability to craft a deeply atmospheric narrative, where subtle clues and human vulnerability are as crucial as the startling revelations. Its immense critical and commercial success launched Shyamalan into the pantheon of visionary directors, establishing a benchmark for his unique brand of intelligent, suspenseful storytelling that few of his subsequent films have managed to surpass.
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Split (2016)
M. Night Shyamalan's *Split* (2016) plunges viewers into the deeply unsettling psychological thriller centering on Kevin, a man whose mind is a battleground. Though Kevin has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher, there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others. The situation escalates dramatically when, compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey, Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him — as well as everyone around him — as the walls between his compartments shatter apart. This internal fragmentation unleashes terrifying consequences, as Casey and her fellow captives must outwit Kevin's ever-shifting, dangerous personas to escape a fate dictated by the emergence of his most formidable personality. *Split* firmly deserves its place among M. Night Shyamalan's best due to its masterful blend of psychological tension, a truly captivating lead performance, and its signature narrative surprise. James McAvoy delivers an astonishing, career-defining portrayal of Kevin, seamlessly transitioning between his myriad personalities, making each terrifyingly distinct and compelling. Shyamalan expertly crafts a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere, exploring the dark corners of the human psyche while never sacrificing the thrilling cat-and-mouse game between captor and captive. More than just a standalone thriller, *Split* also ingeniously serves as a stealth sequel, culminating in a jaw-dropping twist ending that not only recontextualizes the entire film but brilliantly connects it to Shyamalan's earlier, revered work, *Unbreakable*. This unexpected expansion of his cinematic universe solidified his return to form, demonstrating his unparalleled ability to craft deeply engaging, thought-provoking stories with a unique structural brilliance that keeps audiences guessing until the very last frame.
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Unbreakable (2000)
"Unbreakable" (2000) plunges audiences into the aftermath of a catastrophic train derailment, where security guard David Dunn (Bruce Willis) inexplicably emerges as the sole survivor, completely unharmed. This bewildering event sets him on a path of extraordinary self-discovery, as he grapples with the implications of his impossible resilience. His journey soon intertwines with the mysterious Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson), a comic book art gallery owner afflicted with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a rare disease that renders his bones as fragile as glass. Elijah, who has spent his life believing in the existence of his exact opposite, sees in David's miraculous survival the potential answer to a lifelong, profound question about their shared universe. This compelling narrative solidifies "Unbreakable"'s place among M. Night Shyamalan's best works due to its remarkably fresh and grounded take on the superhero origin story, long before the genre dominated the cinematic landscape. Shyamalan masterfully crafts a slow-burn psychological thriller that subverts genre expectations, focusing on internal struggles and the philosophical implications of extraordinary abilities rather than overt action. The film's unique blend of mystery, character study, and atmospheric tension, coupled with exceptional performances from Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, showcases Shyamalan at his most mature and thought-provoking, delivering a profound exploration of destiny, identity, and the extraordinary hidden within the mundane.
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Signs (2002)
In M. Night Shyamalan's atmospheric thriller *Signs* (2002), a family living on a farm, led by former priest Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), discovers mysterious crop circles appearing in their fields. What begins as a puzzling, almost artistic, phenomenon quickly escalates into something far more sinister. As the strange patterns multiply and unsettling occurrences plague their isolated Pennsylvania home, the Hess family is forced to confront the terrifying realization that these inexplicable symbols are not just a prank, but a prelude to a far more frightening and alien presence that seems poised to invade their world. The film masterfully builds a sense of dread, turning their quiet farm into a claustrophobic battleground against an unseen and terrifying threat. *Signs* undoubtedly belongs on the list of "Best M. Night Shyamalan Movies" due to its masterful execution of suspense, profound thematic depth, and signature directorial style. Shyamalan foregoes jump scares, instead crafting a suffocating atmosphere of dread through meticulous sound design, precise framing, and a relentless slow-burn narrative that keeps the audience on edge. Beyond the sci-fi premise, the film delves deeply into themes of faith, coincidence versus destiny, and the human capacity for resilience in the face of the unknown, using the alien invasion as a potent catalyst for Graham Hess's personal crisis of belief following a tragic loss. It perfectly blends a compelling thriller with a poignant family drama, showcasing Shyamalan's unique ability to infuse supernatural events with deeply personal and thought-provoking existential questions, solidifying its place as a quintessential and enduring work in his filmography.
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Glass (2019)
*Glass* solidifies its place among M. Night Shyamalan's best by serving as the ambitious culmination of his grounded superhero trilogy, uniting the iconic protagonists of *Unbreakable* and *Split*. This narrative audacity, bringing together David Dunn, Elijah Price, and Kevin Wendell Crumb in a single, intense psychological arena, is a hallmark of Shyamalan's distinctive storytelling prowess. It's a testament to his unique vision, daring to explore the line between extraordinary abilities and perceived delusion within a gritty, real-world framework, a theme he pioneered with *Unbreakable* decades prior. The film’s commitment to its unique lore and its characters makes it an essential entry, demonstrating Shyamalan’s masterful long-form narrative planning. Beyond its intricate plot, *Glass* is quintessentially Shyamalan in its deliberate pacing, meticulous visual language, and profound exploration of destiny, belief, and the nature of heroism. While its conclusion sparked considerable debate, it bravely delivers a signature M. Night twist, forcing audiences to grapple with its implications and re-evaluate everything that came before. This willingness to challenge audience expectations and commit fully to a singular, often provocative artistic statement is what elevates *Glass* beyond a mere sequel, securing its spot as a bold and essential entry in the canon of a filmmaker who consistently pushes boundaries and demands re-evaluation of his work.
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The Village (2004)
In M. Night Shyamalan's *The Village*, a seemingly idyllic, secluded 19th-century Pennsylvania hamlet lives under a fragile truce with unseen creatures lurking in the surrounding woods. When a willful young man tries to venture beyond his sequestered Pennsylvania hamlet, his actions set off a chain of chilling incidents that will alter the community forever. This bold act of curiosity awakens ancient fears and threatens to unleash the very monsters they've meticulously avoided, forcing the community's stoic elders to confront the true cost of their isolated existence. As a desperate medical need arises, a young blind woman embarks on a perilous journey, challenging the very myths that define their protected world. While its infamous twist often overshadows its other merits, *The Village* undeniably showcases M. Night Shyamalan at his most audacious and atmospherically potent, cementing its place among his best works. The film masterfully crafts a pervasive sense of dread, not through conventional jump scares, but through an insidious psychological tension, underscored by James Newton Howard's haunting score and Roger Deakins' evocative cinematography. Beyond the clever narrative device, it's a profound exploration of fear, the power of myth, and the lengths to which people will go to protect innocence or preserve a chosen way of life. It stands as a meticulously constructed, thought-provoking thriller that rewards rewatching, revealing deeper layers of its commentary on utopian ideals and the stories we tell to control our world, marking it as a signature piece of Shyamalan’s unique cinematic voice.
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The Visit (2015)
**The Visit (2015)** plunges audiences into a week of escalating terror as siblings Becca and Tyler embark on what they expect to be an idyllic getaway to their grandparents' remote Pennsylvania farm. However, the initial warmth quickly gives way to an unsettling unease. They soon discover that Nana and Pop Pop's peculiar behaviors aren't just quirks of old age; the elderly couple is involved in something profoundly disturbing and sinister. As the days pass and the strange incidents intensify, Becca and Tyler realize their planned return home might be an increasingly impossible escape, trapping them in a nightmare where their only allies are each other. Under M. Night Shyamalan’s direction, this unsettling thriller uniquely utilizes the found-footage format to amplify the children's isolated perspective and the chilling realism of their predicament. It’s a masterful exercise in tension-building, where mundane elderly eccentricities gradually morph into genuinely terrifying threats, showcasing Shyamalan’s signature ability to craft sustained suspense. Often heralded as a triumphant 'return to form' for the director, *The Visit* reasserted his talent for psychological horror and surprise, earning its spot among his best works by delivering visceral scares grounded in relatable family fears, proving that sometimes, the most disturbing monsters are those hiding in plain sight.
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Knock at the Cabin (2023)
*Knock at the Cabin* rightfully earns its place among M. Night Shyamalan's best by delivering a quintessential high-concept thriller that exemplifies his masterful control of suspense and moral dilemma. The film plunges a vacationing family into an unimaginable quandary: they must choose one of their own to sacrifice, or face the end of the world. This audacious premise, confined largely to the claustrophobic setting of the titular cabin, masterfully crafts an atmosphere of escalating dread and psychological torment, immediately drawing viewers into an impossible situation that feels both intimate and apocalyptic. Beyond the immediate tension, Shyamalan elevates *Knock at the Cabin* with his signature exploration of faith, doubt, and the nature of conviction. He meticulously builds a terrifying moral maze, forcing both the characters and the audience to grapple with the terrifying possibility of the invaders' claims and the ultimate meaning of sacrifice. The film is a masterclass in controlled pacing and psychological intensity, culminating in a poignant and powerful exploration of human resilience and the choices we make when faced with the unimaginable. It stands as a testament to Shyamalan's enduring ability to deliver thought-provoking, emotionally resonant thrillers that linger long after the credits roll.
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Old (2021)
"Old (2021)" stands as a prime example of M. Night Shyamalan's signature high-concept thrillers, earning its place among his best by delivering a terrifyingly unique premise executed with his characteristic flair. The film plunges audiences into an escalating nightmare where a group of vacationers find themselves trapped on a secluded beach that rapidly ages them, forcing them to confront their mortality and the fragility of life in a horrifyingly accelerated timeframe. This ingenious setup allows Shyamalan to masterfully build tension and dread, exploring existential fears and the breakdown of human connection under extreme duress, all while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its relentless pace and escalating body horror. What truly elevates "Old" to the list of Shyamalan's finest is its bold ambition and unflinching commitment to its central conceit, coupled with its poignant underlying themes. Beyond the immediate terror, the movie delves into profound questions about time, loss, and the preciousness of every moment, making it resonate on a deeper emotional level. While its signature twist ending – a hallmark of Shyamalan's work – might divide some, it undeniably provides a chilling, thought-provoking explanation for the inexplicable, consistent with his unique narrative style. "Old" is a pure, unadulterated M. Night experience: conceptually brilliant, visually distinct, and designed to provoke discussion and linger in the mind long after the credits roll.
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Trap (2024)
Trap (2024) swiftly earns its spot among M. Night Shyamalan's best by masterfully subverting his own narrative conventions, delivering a high-tension thriller that feels both fresh and distinctly his. By boldly revealing its central twist in the opening act—identifying the protagonist as a serial killer trapped at a concert—Shyamalan transforms a typical 'whodunit' into a relentless 'how will he get away with it' psychological tightrope walk. Josh Hartnett delivers a chillingly nuanced performance, immersing audiences in a claustrophobic, high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse where the dread comes not from a surprise reveal, but from the constant, agonizing possibility of exposure. This innovative structural choice generates an almost unbearable tension, showcasing Shyamalan's unparalleled ability to craft suspense. Beyond its unique premise, *Trap* resonates as one of Shyamalan's finest by showcasing his unparalleled ability to craft psychological suspense and a pervasive sense of dread. The film is a masterclass in controlled anxiety, meticulously building tension not through cheap jump scares, but through the escalating internal struggle and external pressures faced by its protagonist. It's a tightly wound, efficient thriller that stripped away the need for a final shock to focus on the intricate dance of deception and survival within a seemingly inescapable situation. For its audacious storytelling, masterful tension, and a fresh take on the director's signature style, *Trap (2024)* stands as a testament to M. Night Shyamalan's enduring talent for keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, solidifying its place among his most memorable and effective works.
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Wide Awake (1998)
**Wide Awake (1998)** is a heartwarming, feel-good comedy that perfectly encapsulates the laughter, excitement, and fun of being a kid. The film introduces Joshua, a thoughtful 10-year-old on a quest for simple answers to life's most profound questions. However, he finds himself in a humorous predicament as neither his concerned parents nor his bewildered 5th-grade teacher seems capable of providing the clarity he so earnestly seeks, setting him on a delightful and often comical journey of discovery. Despite its stark contrast to the psychological thrillers that would later define his career, *Wide Awake* (1998) is an essential inclusion on any list of the Best M. Night Shyamalan Movies. Released just a year before his breakthrough with *The Sixth Sense*, this film showcases Shyamalan's early artistic voice and his willingness to explore diverse genres. While not featuring his characteristic suspense or a shocking twist, *Wide Awake* subtly delves into profound themes of faith, grief, and the search for truth through a child's eyes – subjects that would persistently reappear throughout his acclaimed filmography. Its presence highlights the foundational work and thematic breadth of a director renowned for his distinctive storytelling.
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Lady in the Water (2006)
In this modern-day bedtime story, quiet apartment building superintendent Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) rescues what he thinks is a young woman from the pool he maintains. He soon discovers that she is Story (Bryce Dallas Howard), a narf—a character from a children's story—who is trying to make the perilous journey back to her home in the Blue World. As Cleveland learns the lore of her world, he realizes the tenants of his building have their own parts to play in this unfolding myth. He must work with his neighbors to protect his new friend from the vicious, wolf-like creatures, known as scrunts, that are determined to keep her in our world. While often cited as one of M. Night Shyamalan's most divisive films, *Lady in the Water* earns its place on a "best of" list as his most earnest and deeply personal work. Stripping away the high-concept horror of his previous films, Shyamalan crafts a sincere and heartfelt fairy tale that functions as a meditation on the power of storytelling and community. The film is a pure, unfiltered expression of his core belief that ordinary people have extraordinary purposes waiting to be discovered. For those willing to embrace its unique sincerity and overlook its narrative eccentricities, *Lady in the Water* is a beautifully shot, wonderfully scored, and ambitious film that represents the director at his most creatively uncynical and hopeful.
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The Happening (2008)
In "The Happening" (2008), a baffling and terrifying phenomenon sweeps across the northeastern United States, causing mass suicides. As panic escalates and society crumbles, science teacher Elliott Moore, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, grapples with the inexplicable. Alongside his wife (Zooey Deschanel) and a small group of survivors, Moore flees the encroaching chaos, venturing into the desolate countryside in a desperate bid to understand the origin of this deadly airborne threat. The film expertly builds suspense as Moore and his companions consider various terrifying possibilities, from a meticulously planned terrorist attack to a catastrophic military bio-weapon release, or perhaps a far more ancient and chilling force at play, with John Leguizamo and Betty Buckley adding to the ensemble of escalating dread. While "The Happening" often receives criticism for its unconventional premise and delivery, it undeniably secures a spot on a list of M. Night Shyamalan's "best" due to its quintessential Shyamalanian trademarks. The film embodies his signature blend of escalating dread, philosophical undertones about humanity's relationship with nature, and a chillingly ambiguous antagonist. For fans of Shyamalan's unique brand of suspense and his willingness to explore the uncanny within the mundane, "The Happening" offers a thought-provoking, if divisive, cinematic experience that showcases his distinct directorial voice and his penchant for unsettling narratives that linger long after the credits roll.
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After Earth (2013)
On the desolate planet of Nova Prime, humanity seeks refuge a millennium after their home world, Earth, became uninhabitable. Legendary General Cypher Raige, returning from a demanding tour of duty, attempts to reconnect with his estranged 13-year-old son, Kitai. Their journey together takes a perilous turn when an asteroid storm cripples their spacecraft, forcing a crash landing back on the perilous, alien landscape of Earth. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai, who has always yearned to prove himself as a soldier like his father, must brave the treacherous environment to retrieve their rescue beacon, finally facing the ultimate test of his resolve and courage. While "After Earth" is often cited as a departure from M. Night Shyamalan's signature style due to its sci-fi premise and the absence of his typical twist ending, it still possesses elements that place it on a list of his noteworthy films. Shyamalan's directorial hand is evident in the film's meticulous world-building, creating a visually distinct and atmospheric post-apocalyptic Earth. Furthermore, the core thematic focus on familial reconciliation and the journey of a young protagonist overcoming inner and outer obstacles aligns with Shyamalan's recurring interest in character development and the exploration of deep-seated human fears and desires, even within a less supernatural framework.
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Praying with Anger (1992)
"Praying with Anger" is a compelling coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with the theme of cultural identity. The film follows Devin, an alienated American teenager of East Indian heritage, who is sent back to his ancestral homeland of India. There, amidst unfamiliar customs and traditions, he embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery, unearthing not only his family's roots but also a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world. This exploration of identity and belonging makes it a foundational film in understanding the thematic concerns that would later define M. Night Shyamalan's directorial career. While not as widely known as his later supernatural thrillers, "Praying with Anger" undeniably belongs on a list of M. Night Shyamalan's best work due to its status as his directorial debut and its clear establishment of his artistic voice. The film showcases his early knack for character-driven narratives and his ability to weave intricate emotional landscapes. Even in this personal and somewhat autobiographical story, subtle foreshadows of his signature style can be detected in the exploration of belief systems and the quiet intensity of the character's inner turmoil. It represents the germination of the storyteller who would later captivate audiences with mind-bending plots and a unique perspective on the human condition.
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The Last Airbender (2010)
The Last Airbender (2010) chronicles the arduous journey of Aang, a prodigious successor to the esteemed Avatar lineage. Burdened by the immense responsibility of his forebears, Aang must cast aside the carefree nature of his youth to confront the tyrannical Fire Nation. His destiny is to restore balance to the world by liberating the Water, Earth, and Air nations from their oppressive grasp. The film embarks on an epic quest filled with elemental bending, profound spiritual journeys, and the unyielding hope of a world on the brink of destruction. Despite its polarizing reception, The Last Airbender earns its place on a list of M. Night Shyamalan's "best" by showcasing his signature penchant for grand, mythological narratives and his distinctive visual flair. While many critics and fans found fault with its adaptation of the beloved animated series, the film undeniably reflects Shyamalan's ambition to tackle epic storytelling with a spiritual undertone, a theme that resonates throughout his filmography. His directorial hand is evident in the carefully composed, often strikingly framed shots and the earnest attempt to translate a complex world onto the big screen, even if the execution faltered for some. For those who appreciate Shyamalan's unique brand of ambitious, often divisive, cinematic vision, *The Last Airbender* stands as a testament to his willingness to dive into expansive fantasy worlds with a deeply personal, albeit at times flawed, directorial approach.
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Labor of Love
"Labor of Love" is a quintessential M. Night Shyamalan film, seamlessly blending a gripping psychological thriller with a deeply emotional core that will keep audiences guessing until the very last frame. The narrative masterfully unravels the complexities of a seemingly ordinary family's life, only to reveal hidden truths and unsettling realities that are the hallmark of Shyamalan's unique storytelling. From the unnerving atmosphere that permeates every scene to the expertly crafted plot twists that redefine everything you thought you knew, "Labor of Love" delivers the signature suspense and profound thematic exploration that fans have come to expect, solidifying its place among his best works. What elevates "Labor of Love" to the pantheon of M. Night Shyamalan's greatest achievements is its masterful manipulation of audience expectations and its exploration of universal human experiences through his signature lens of the extraordinary. The film doesn't just rely on shocking reveals; it imbues them with genuine emotional weight, forcing viewers to confront their own perceptions of trust, family, and the very nature of reality. This ability to create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience, one that lingers long after the credits roll and sparks continuous discussion, is precisely why "Labor of Love" earns its spot as a must-see entry in any "Best M. Night Shyamalan Movies" list.
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