The Sessions (2012)

This is a story about a man named Mark who has had polio since his early childhood. He survives on his trusty iron lung that helps him keep breathing for a long period of time. He early explains that his disability does not mean that he cannot feel anything. You see, he is not paralyzed, his muscles just don't work well. And of course, he is a virgin. So imagine a man having a raging erection without being able to masturbate. In his late thirties, his only wish is relief. To leave the world as an experienced man, so to speak. With the help of a Catholic priest and a therapist, he seeks sexual satisfaction from a professional sex surrogate. So how does that work? They will have a total of six sessions in which each session's goal is to let Mark experience a full on, true blue sexual intercourse complete with body exercises and all that. Foreplay, really. Are you not interested yet?



What makes this movie brilliant is the hope and humor it brings to the screen. Mark is not the perfect person, or the perfect man for that matter. He can be annoying, self-centered and a general pain in the ass sometimes. But this does not stop him from being lovable and charming. I admire him for not wallowing in self-pity and depression that many others in his case would usually succumb into. Although all that admirable traits are true for him, it does not come easily. You can see that it is sometimes a struggle to keep his sanity in check, to be funny, to be nonchalant, to be logical, and to dial the damn phone all at the same time. John Hawkes in the leading role is all that his character is. Funny, charming, awkward and a poet through and through. It is a marvel to watch him, specially after Winter's Bone and Martha Marcy May Marlene (both movies are damn good, btw). Helen Hunt as the sexual surrogate is a commanding presence throughout the movie. She was nominated in the Oscars last year for this role. I know that is not a proof of her talent, but it is an acknowledgement that her role in this movie is simply wonderful. I assure you that you will easily put yourselves in her shoes and just feel everything. I also like William H. Tracy as the confused but well-meaning priest. If only all priests were like him. I never knew that this would be a feel good movie. I was surprised by this fact and I love it.