Trailers
Description
Though a childhood bout with polio left him dependent on an iron lung, Mark O'Brien maintains a career as a journalist and poet. A writing assignment dealing with sex and the disabled piques Mark's curiosity, and he decides to investigate the possibility of experiencing sex himself. When his overtures toward a caregiver scare her away, he books an appointment with sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen-Greene to lose his virginity.
Starring
Awards
Key opinion
The Sessions is widely regarded as a sincere, life-affirming, and humanistic drama that treats a delicate subject with lightness and dignity. While critics praise the film's courage in tackling the intersection of disability and sexuality, audience reactions remain divided between those moved by its optimism and those who find the premise or the romantic development unconvincing.
| Acting | John Hawkes delivers a masterful performance, using subtle physical nuances to anchor the protagonist's vulnerability and growth. | |
| Emotion | The film maintains a respectful and non-exploitative tone, effectively balancing documentary-like realism with humor and optimism. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Helen Hunt’s performance are split; some applaud her bravery and complexity, while others find the Oscar-nominated role puzzling or underwhelming. | |
| Theme | The film's romantic arc between the patient and the therapist is viewed by some as a tender success, while others dismiss it as an unconvincing, clichéd trope. | |
| Pacing | The narrative style divides audiences; some appreciate the intimate, dialogue-driven focus, whereas others find the pacing too slow or the subject matter too niche to sustain interest. |