The Sessions

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  • Opened October 19, 2012 (Limited)
  • 1 hr 35 min
  • R | Frank Dialogue, Strong Sexuality and Graphic Nudity
  • Parents: Common Sense Media says not for kids. More on child suitability

  • Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California–based journalist and poet Mark O’Brien, THE SESSIONS tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined - at age 38 - to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality. Full synopsis

  • Cast: John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, Moon Bloodgood, Annika Marks, Rhea Perlman, Adam Arkin, William H. Macy
  • Director: Ben Lewin
  • Genres: Drama

What's the Buzz?

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Fans say Go
2,438 fans
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Critics say Go
79 out of 100
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Fan Reviews

Must Go!
Best Film in a Long Time

by HighAnxiety

Saw this at a film festival and loved it. SO funny! Can find nothing wrong with it. Some people may be turned off by the nudity- although, for once, it's relevant. All of the actors are...

Go
Stunningly Honest, Exceptional Story, Unique and Completely Engaging.

by Alon Patterson

Pairing Bill Macy and Helen Hunt for starters, now there's some real screen chemistry. Too bad their characters never interact, but that doesn't diminish this play one iota. Its frankness and...

No
Awkward

by dscar11

While parts of this movie were very interesting and moving the sex scenes in it were totally awkward. Not to mention I didn't realize until the end that I was in the movie with 6 other people. All of...

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Critic Reviews

100
New York Post
| Lou Lumenick

The very sex-positive The Sessions treats intimacy with an explicitness and honesty that's very rare in movies. It may be the first film that doesn't turn premature ejaculation into a punch line. Read full review

88
Rolling Stone
| Peter Travers

Just see it. This movie will take a piece out of you. Read full review

88
Boston Globe
| Ty Burr

The achievement of this simply told, exceptionally fine film is the clarity with which it portrays the drama of a good soul in an inert body. Read full review

83
Entertainment Weekly
| Lisa Schwarzbaum

The Sessions is first and foremost about Hawkes' virtuoso performance, one of those "My Left Foot"-y transformations that make audiences verklemmt and generate awards talk. Read full review

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Photos

John Hawkes as Mark O'Brien and Helen Hunt as Cheryl Cohen Greene in "The Sessions."