Title: The Sessions
Directed by: Ben Lewin
Distributed by: Fox Searchlight
Release Date: October 19, 2012 (Limited)
Rated: R
Synopsis: Mark O’Brien is a man in an iron lung who decides he wants to lose his virginity. After consulting with his priest, Father Brendan, he gets in touch with Cheryl Cohen-Greene, a professional sex surrogate. (Via Wikipedia)
Brian’s Review: Who would have thought that one of the funniest movies of 2012 would be The Sessions? Even though the trailer set up the movie to be more of a comedy than anything else, I was not prepared to be laughing as much in this film as I did. Even better, they’re the right kind of laughs. A story of a permanently debilitated man who wants to lose his virginity to a sex surrogate could easily have been the latest Adam Sandler abomination. Writer / director Ben Lewin understands just the right tone to tell this film in. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s assembled a hugely impressive cast. The Sessions was one of the big hits from last January’s Sundance Film Festival, and it’s easy to see why. This is a unique story, beautiful told, with not just one but three outstanding performances that make for a must-see movie.
John Hawkes plays the main character Mark, who’s in his late thirties, alive only with the use of an iron lung, only able to move the muscles in his face, who wants to finally lose his virginity. Hawkes is in nearly every scene, and he acts his heart out with just his face for the entire running time. Best of all? His character is in no way a sad sack. He’s positive, sexual, and exudes a wicked sense of humor throughout. This is one of the most fascinating characters I’ve seen in a movie this year, and Hawkes is fantastic. There wouldn’t be a movie however without the sex surrogate, and Helen Hunt really takes this movie to another level. First of all, kudos to her for taking this role. I can’t imagine very many 50-year-old actresses having the confidence to take on such a baring role like this one, both physically and emotionally. She’s fearless here, in easily one of the best roles of her career. And then there’s William H. Macy, who’s always welcome in any movie, but he’s particularly funny as the priest who takes in Mark’s sexual adventures like a good bedtime story.
If I had any quibble with the film,I think Lewin could have pushed this material even further. The movie ended abruptly at the ninety-minute mark, and I was so invested in the film and the characters that I would’ve happily watched another thirty to forty minutes. The chemistry between Hawkes and Hunt is so palpable that another few scenes with them would’ve really made their revelation about each other toward the end more cathartic. But as it stands, The Sessions is a winning, surprisingly feel-good film that should be sought out this holiday season. I really enjoyed it.
