Film Review: The Sessions

Director: Ben Lewin

Written and directed by Ben Lewin, he hasn't returned to work on the big screen since the 90's but produced the screenplay after reading an essay by the real Mark O'Brien on his life. O'Brien was a poet and journalist who contracted polio and was paralyzed from the neck down for most of his life, the film is based on his life as he neared 40.

John Hawkes plays the lead role of Mark O'Brien who confined to an iron lung and decides that he wants to lose his virginity before he reaches 40. He hires a sex surrogate called Cheryl (Helen Hunt) and relays his experience to a local priest played by William H. Macy.

Cheryl (Helen Hunt) with Mark (John Hawkes)

What results its an incredibly sweet and thoughtful film about the life of Mark O'Brien, the film does a good job of avoiding all the clichés and ends up being an incredibly refreshing film in the genre. John Hawkes puts in an excellent performance as the kind natured Mark O'Brien and did extensive research into the topic to be able to act the role effectively. The film received two standing ovations at the Sundance film festival where it debuted and has deservedly received much praise since including award nominations. The whole film produces a warm glowing feeling inside as you reach the end and even features what surely is a cameo from Sacred Heart Hospital in Scrubs as well.

3.5/4 enjoyable and light hearted film