Stir of Echoes got lost in the theatres when it went up against the ghost story The Sixth Sense. Based on the novel by Richard Matheson and adapted by Koepp who settled into the director’s chair as well, the film lets Kevin Bacon just shine, and features some well-executed visuals including the hypnotism sequence featuring Bacon’s character, Tom.

Shot and based in Chicago, the story opens with Tom and Maggie’s (Kathryn Erbe) son, Jake (Zachary David Cope) apparently breaking the fourth wall and talking to the camera, which puts us right into the role of the ghost who is watching everything.

Tom had aspirations for a musical career and is working as a lineman, living in the same neighbourhood he grew up in. He doesn’t feel he’s amounted to much and has just been hit with the revelation that they are expecting another kid. He’s a little close-minded and dismissive of ideas he doesn’t agree with, including those espoused by Maggie’s sister, Lisa (Illeana Douglas).

Push comes to shove one night and Lisa hypnotizes Tom, and that’s when his trouble starts. Much like Bacon’s character in Flatliners, he doesn’t come back alone. Or in this case, he’s a little more open to the things, stories, and more around us.

He begins to see horrifying images and frightening moments that all seem to center on a young girl, Samantha (Jennifer Morrison) who went missing six months earlier. Tom becomes driven to find the truth, and uncovers a secret that some in the neighborhood may murder to keep.

Smart, well-crafted, wonderfully shot, and featuring a fantastic performance by Bacon (is he ever not?) the film is a wonderful ghost story and has not only stood the test of time but has seemed to have aged beautifully.

I enjoyed this one a lot, and since I hadn’t seen it for over two decades, this one felt like I was watching it anew. I was able to revel in the performances, the craft that went into the making of the film, the story – who doesn’t love a good Matheson tale?

I remember when this one came out on DVD, and it was one of those films that started quiet in the rental community, and then kind of snowballed through out clientele. It just works. It’s smart, it’s engaging, it doesn’t play down to its audience and Kepp knows how to convey his vision, and Bacon was great at bringing it to life.

I loved checking this one out again, and if you missed it because you were too busy watching The Sixth Sense, I highly recommend it.