Review of The Sessions (2012) by John M — 16 Jan 2013

The other 40 Year Old Virgin. So The Sessions is about a man with polio who is paralyzed from the neck down (John Hawkes), and being that he has his mind set on losing his virginity, he begins seeing a sex surrogate (Helen Hunt), and this is about the relationship they share together.

This film was a Sundance darling, and rightfully so. Even though it's a very unique scenario, it's a very easy story to relate to, as everybody has felt anxious about sex at one point or another.

You also have three high quality performances given from all of the leads to complement the engaging story; William H. Macy is great as always as the consoling priest, but it is the chemistry between Hawkes and Hunt that really makes this movie work.

The character that Hawkes is playing is as repressed as a nervous teenager, but he has an upbeat, snarky sense of humor, and it gives him a charming edge that helps you to feel exactly how he is feeling.

Hunt gives it her all in a very daring role (I think she may have more screen time naked than she did clothed). This is a nice little find that you probably missed in theaters, which makes it a perfect rental.