A memorable climax filled with raw emotion and a skillfully talented cast makes sure “The Sessions†doesn’t prematurely satisfy.
An almost 40-year-old man declares that he’s still a virgin to his priest — sounds like the beginning to a raunchy, bro-filled sex comedy but it certainly isn’t.
The unfortunate soul trying to conquer his celibacy spends most of his time in an iron lung.
“The Sessions†tells the true story of Mark O’Brien, a 38-year-old man who suffers from polio that enlists the help of a sex surrogate to rid himself of his virginity before it’s too late.
With only limited contact with people because of his debilitating disease, Mark confides in a new priest, Father Brendan [William H Macy], at his church about his predicament. After an uncomfortable consultation he’s given a free pass on his pre-marital sex due to the circumstances.
These two slowly become friends as their talks progress more into friendly banter which results in comedic exchanges as Mark shares his sexual exploits to a man of the cloth. The often-bawdy talks between these two is as humorous as it is awkward.
Hawkes sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humour shine through every joke he tells with his raspy voice. Though confined to an iron lung for most of the day and a gurney when he leaves his house, his disability takes a backseat to his charming personality.
His sweet nature eventually wins over the sex surrogate, Cheryl [Helen Hunt] a married woman with a teenage son. In the first scene where they meet, the apprehension in Mark’s face is painfully apparent as he awaits the arrival of his paramour. The cinematography is brilliant as it leaves the audience with a close up on his face when we finally hear Cheryl’s voice in the distance.
Cheryl is a paragon of kindness that emanates compassion. Her warmth and love envelopes Mark as he struggles with not only his body but also his emotions.
As intimate as many of these scenes feel, the relationship will be short-lived. Cheryl clearly states during their first encounter that she will only do six sessions, with no contact after. Each session brings them closer physically and emotionally — but they’re both aware that their time together will soon end.
The private thoughts of both Cheryl and Mark are explored through scenes of inner monologues. Cheryl talks to her tape recorder about her doubts and concerns while Mark talks to his religious painting on his wall. They both seek answers from objects instead of each other.
From the light humour that helps move the story along to the complex relationship between Mark and Cheryl, “The Sessions†has so much more to offer than just scenes of Helen Hunt naked. It evokes emotions from the depths of your heart — to feel for the characters as if they were the actual people being portrayed and that in essence, is what a movie based on a true story should be about and “The Sessions†hits the right spot, over and over.
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