The Sessions

95 minutes

Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien, The Sessions tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined--at age 38--to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.

98% on the CINEMETER

98% - Oct 21, 2012

Liked it in spite of my discomfort with the subject matter. Helen Hunt was terrific - looked the same. William H. Macy seemed a bit too cute, but did it well. John Hawkes was utterly believable. Great acting!
Washington, DC Member

Beautiful and funny - finally sex treated on the screen with beauty and sensitivity and honesty.
Washington, DC Member

Lyrical, funny and touching. Wrap up the Oscars and mail them to John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and Ben Lewin. And send me the number of Helen Hunt's personal trainer.
Washington, DC Member

STL

97% - Oct 21, 2012

I especially like the cinematography‚Äîthe image of the cat walking lightly and jumping upon the iron lung/window sill‚Äîand then seeing the heavy immobility. Also the last image of the casket‚Äîthen the iron lung, very similar symbolically and physically. So smart‚Äîsuch great, great characters and I appreciated the directness and honesty.
St. Louis Member

Emotionally poignant, excellent representation of human emotion and love. Wonderful insight into the feeling and needs of handicapped. And the priest showed a wonderful caring and open feeling not usually represented by the Catholic clergy.
St. Louis Member

A work of art that is beautifully, unashamedly honest. It blends a real-like true story and creative imagination. Oscars better not overlook this brilliant little film.
St. Louis Member

98% - Oct 21, 2012

Such a wonderful film! Perfectly placed, appropriately toned and believable wit and humor.
San Francisco Member

I was touched from the outset and silently wept throughout. I weep still in awe of all we take for granted.
San Francisco Member

One of the most tender, moving, and skillfully done films I've ever seen. So tasteful; I can't find one thing wrong with it.
San Francisco Member

99% - Oct 21, 2012

What an extraordinary, complex, well-crafted movie. It could have been an uncomfortable experience for many people, but it walked a delicate line with its honesty, humor, gracefulness and well-timed and executed scene breaks. The performances were nothing but stellar and spot on!
Greater New Haven Member

Coming in I was hesitant about the subject. But it was spectacular in handling such a delicate subject. I cried and felt connected to both main characters. The acting was superb. Loved the new digital format.
Greater New Haven Member

Everyone should see this amazing and unsentimental film. Bravo.
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

98% - Oct 28, 2012

Just loved it!!! One of the best from the Cinema Club. Great acting and story.
Milwaukee Member

Despite my dislike of Helen Hunt, this was an absorbing, masterful story about a taboo topic. The sexual act depicted as something wonderful, triumphant and not salacious--so unlike most moives. William H. Macy was a gem!
Milwaukee Member

The film humanized John Hawkes for me--no longer creepy; funny and smart.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

99% - Oct 21, 2012

An incredibly moving film about transcendence on all levels. Beautifully done. Extraordinary acting. A home run.
Boston Member

Tender love story! The love journey requires no passport- love is available to all.
Boston Member

Oscar buzz. Three main roles mazing! Brave actors! Helen Hunt-- Brave!
Boston Member

ATL

98% - Oct 14, 2012

As a sociologist, I was please to see such a sex positive film, especially as it intersects with able-ism. ¬†Sweet and tender with wonderful (even exquisite) acting. ¬†So glad to see John Hawkes not play a creepy/violent man.
Atlanta Member

A beautiful paean to the normality of abnormality. ¬†Makes me think of MY LEFT FOOT.
Atlanta Member

Best movie about love and sex I've seen. The setup of a disabled man and professional sex surrogate mirrored feelings of teenagers longing for and fearing sexual intimacy/falling in love.
Atlanta Member

Fox Searchlight Pictures