Review: ‘The Sessions’

You’d be forgiven for looking past a film about a severely physically disabled man struggling to experience sex if you’re after a fun night out at the cinema. But the subject of this film, poet and journalist Mark O’Brien, has such an engaging sense of humor that the film has a levity the subject matter doesn’t instantly point to.

Crippled from the neck down by a childhood brush with polio, Mark (John Hawkes), with the support of his family and a series of carers, managed to complete college and became successful journalist. This is all the more remarkable when one considers that he couldn’t survive more than a few hours outside an iron lung.

Right from the start Mark exhibits an interest in sex. A young carer becomes the object of obsession, but leaves after Mark makes an ill-thought out marriage proposal. It’s not until he’s assigned an article on sex for the disabled that Mark truly believes he might be able to experience physical intimacy. But his quest for it is hampered by his catholic upbringing and the religion’s strict attitudes toward sex.

Religion plays a big part in this film, with much of Mark’s experiences recounted to the new, young parish priest who becomes both confessor and friend. William H. Macy is in fine form as the smoking, drinking and morally flexible priest.

When an academic introduces Mark to the concept of sexual surrogacy, he realises carnal fulfillment may be within his grasp. With great trepidation he calls Cheryl (Helen Hunt) – a wife and mother who puts people in touch with their sexuality so they can be intimate with future partners.

Hawkes’ incredible performance recalls Daniel Day-Lewis’ Oscar-winning deeds in My Left Foot. Despite only having the use of his face and voice, we’re never in any doubt as to what Mark’s thinking or feeling. Even the physical challenges of breathing are starkly evoked. Hunt matches Hawkes’ performance, imbuing Cheryl with a warmth that spills through the screen. It’s a brave role for any woman over the age of forty given that she spends much of the film naked.

The film is not coy about sex or the difficulties Cheryl and Mark face as a result of Mark’s condition. Yet the film is not in any way lewd. It’s funny. Touching. Awkward. And one of the best films of 2012.

9.5/10