nickmesafilms Review of The Sessions

The Sessions (2012)

The Sessions (2012) - The True Life-Changing Story of Mark O' Brien

[8/10 · 10 December 2012]

Once a year, Hollywood brings yet another inspirational movie about those with serious disabilities with dreams of changing their own lives, from "The Elephant Man" to "My Left Foot". Now, we are given the inspirational true story of the late Mark O'Brien in "The Sessions", and what we are given is one of the most memorable movies of the whole year. John Hawkes delivers an excellent performance as the real journalist and poet Mark O'Brien, whom was infected with polio, confined to an iron lung, as a child. About to soon reach his due date, while at age 38, he wishes to lose his virginity before his time on Earth will be over. He then hires a professional sex surrogate, played wonderfully by Helen Hunt, to help guide him through various sex sessions, until they start to have feelings for each other. With the help of his sex therapist, and the priest, played by William H. Macy, whom he shares daily blessings to, Mark O'Brien is determined to make his last days the happiest. "The Sessions" is a deeply uplifting film that can easily tug all of our heartstrings. John Hawkes is downright believable playing the light-hearted O'Brien, and his affection can buy the trust of audiences, in a performance that will score him another Oscar nomination, only this time, in the leading category. Helen Hunt shows off her body (literally) and soul into this performance, and she nails it in the scenes that she's in, whom will might get a Best Supporting Actress nomination. William H. Macy, although has limited opportunities to show Oscar-worthy material, he still does a rather fine job in the role, delivering a very important performance, as the one who supports O'Brien through his troubles, and blesses he will succeed in his accomplishments. Although I will say the writing is very good, and the overall message is truly uplifting, I see "The Sessions" more as an "actor film" than anything else. But, overall, this is a very realistic flick with unique writing, two Oscar-worthy performances, and an endearing message still power up the film's heat, even if it ranges to good, instead of excellent. "The Sessions", in my review, "realistic execution, and emotionally satisfying".