Review of Session 9 (2001) by Aaron N — 26 Nov 2008

Phil: We'll take the tunnels. They're safer.

Jeff: "Safer"?

A simply plotted psychological thriller that makes good use of its setting, focuses on subtle scares, and succeeds as a well shot film.

The plot involves an asbestos cleaning crew hired to work in an abandoned mental hospital. The crew consists of five men, all with their own ticks.

The leader is Gordon, played by Peter Mullan, who is having issues with his wife and newborn. Second in command is Phil, played by David Caruso who has issues with Hank, played by Josh Lucas, because he stole his girlfriend. You then have Mike, played by Stephen Gevedon (who co-wrote the film), who develops an obsession with some recordings of patients he finds in the hospital. Lastly is rookie Jeff.

Mike: I need you to go downstairs and check the breaker box.

Jeff: ...I can't do that.

Mike: Why?

Jeff: I got nyctophobia.

Mike: What?

Jeff: Fear of the dark.

Mike: [incredulous] Okay...

The things that occur in this story involve tensions rising between the crew and mysterious going-ons that seem to be affecting their performance.

Part of what makes this movie work so well is how it slowly develops itself. We know something is building, but we're not sure what and the movie toys with these aspects, while providing an intriguing watch. This isn't a good horror flick for a party setting, its much more intimate and works better on a thinkers level.

The ending goes off a bit and there are some questionable audio and dialog choices, but the film works very well.

Director Brad Anderson has made use of a special digital camera that gives the film a wonderfully real look and also manages to subtly inject a visual style into this film that pulls you in without seeming to imply what will occur. This is also met with a few standout camera moments in terms of how certain highlight scenes are handled.

Its creepy without being overdone and I really enjoyed it.

Doctor: And where do you live, Simon?

Mary Hobbes: I live in the weak and the wounded... Doc.