The Sessions was a risky film to make; an exploration of disability, religion, and sex (perhaps three of the most challenging subject matters imaginable) could have easily resulted in something patronisingly delicate or wildly offensive; but Ben Lewin (Georgia) manages instead to tell an honest, light-hearted, story without shying away from the more controversial aspects.
Based on an article written by disabled journalist Mark O’Brien (John Hawkes, American Gangster), The Sessions tells the tale of a very important decision in his life; to finally lose his virginity. After first seeking religious blessings from Father Brendan (William H Macy, Fargo), O’Brien decides to hire sex therapist Cheryl (Helen Hunt, What Women Want) to bring to life a dream he never thought he’d achieve.
John Hawkes delivers one of the finest performances of his career with his boyish and innocent portrayal of Mark, who contracted Polio as a child and spent the majority of his life in an Iron Lung. Lewin’s script easily captured the good humour and heart of O’Brien (perhaps unsurprising as he has fought a life-long battle with polio himself), creating a whimsical tone that keeps the heavy subject matter from becoming too over powering. There are many opportunities for a little chuckle; particularly in the unconventional exchanges between O’Brien and his priest (who is the opposite of the catholic stereotype and open minded enough to hear Mark’s sexual confessions).
However, it’s Helen Hunt who steals the show here as sex surrogate Cheryl. She slips into her role as easily as her character slips in and out of clothes, and never once gives an awkward or unnatural delivery of some rather awkward lines. Her confidence in her own skin put both O’Brien’s character and the audience at ease.
Cheryl’s emotional conflict is also incredibly engaging; she is visibly thrown off her game when she finds O’Brien has broken down her usual defences of professionalism, and gotten her to open up. As is often the case, the film explores the difficulty in separating sex and feelings, and it’s very easy for the audience to connect to their relationship. The quiet moments are just as important as their verbal exchanges; lingering close ups of facial expressions and silent moments of solitary reflection are so well balanced that most of the time the words to explain how the characters are feeling never need to be spoken.
While there are a few supporting characters with light hearted B-plots that complement the films tone, there is not much need for overcomplicating the story, and with a light, 1 hour and 35 minutes, run time it is difficult to see how anyone could lose patience.
This is a movie that will stay with you for weeks after viewing, and puts many more ‘Hollywood’ depictions of both sex and disability to shame. That said, it provides enough entertainment value to be widely accessible, while still challenging the viewer as much as any uber-serious exploration of some of these themes. Sit back and let it move you, tickle you, and intrigue you all at once.
