The Sessions

Movie: The Sessions

Genre: drama

Synopsis: This movie is based on actual period in the life of Mark O’Brien (John Hawkes) when he was 36 years old.  At a very early age, Mark contracted polio and had been confined to an iron lung ever since.  Determined to not die a virgin, Mark hits on the idea of hiring a sex surrogate.  After getting the grudging approval of his priest (William H. Macy), Mark hires a sexual surrogate by the name of Cheryl (Helen Hunt).  The movie follows his sessions with Cheryl.

My two cents:  This is a gem of a movie.  Be forewarned that there is a lot of fairly graphic discussions of sex as well as good deal of nudity – mostly on the part of Helen Hunt.  That said, I found this to be absolutely fascinating.  It gives one some insight into some of the problems faced by someone confined to an iron lung.  Mark is has virtually no control of anything below the neck.  Mark has a great sense of humor, which helps him through the awkward moments of his sessions with Cheryl. The acting was positively top-notch.  I think John Hawkes performance is definitely worth of an Oscar nomination.  William H. Macy was great as the priest struggling to do his part to bring some comfort to Mark’s spiritual side.  Helen Hunt was also great.

I definitely recommend giving this movie a shot if you get the chance.

[123]