The Sessions (Jo***)

'The Sessions' has been a small film making big impressions on film festivals this year, so it was no surprise that I eagerly sought it out. The film, about a bed-ridden man suffering from polio, follows his journey to lose his virginity through the use of a sex surrogate. Consulting all the while with his priest (of the Catholic Church, no less), the film makes light of a potentially grim subject matter, and succeeds in being a potential heart-warmer, though it mostly just skims the surface of truly fascinating subject matter.

Mark O'Brien (played by a truly dedicated John Hawkes), is an accomplished poet with a college degree and high levels of respect. Though he is a charming and sociable man, we learn of his desires to more fully explore female relationships, as the only women he has known pity him or his condition. O'Brien is a very religious man, and therefore consults with his priest (William H. Macy) for his truthful response to his wish. Macy laughably gives him the 'A.O.K.' and thinks God will give him a free pass. I don't know what Catholic Church O'Brien attends, but this is definitely a church many should consider attending.

Mark then meets Cheryl (Helen Hunt), a character we would immediately assume to be a prostitute, if not for her complete professionalism and suave. Here is a movie where eroticism could have completely taken over, but the act of sex is reduced down to a mere science experiment. Cheryl learns about Mark and his wishes and desires, and in turn Mark discovers that simple kindness and accepting could be all he really needs to be happy.

The film, based on a true story, glamorizes the story into a feel-good romp about a man essentially losing his virginity. The ending is fairly predictable and the short run time lends very little insight into the characters we are seeing. That is not to say the acting is nothing short of superb. John Hawkes is truly dedicated to the performance, and you can see glimmers of Sean Penn or Daniel Day-Lewis in his role. Hawkes recently became a more widely-known actor with his Oscar-nominated appearance in 'Winter's Bone,' but he is truly an accomplished actor regardless. The same should be said for Helen Hunt, who's film appearances following her Oscar win are few and far between. Here she truly shines, and don't be surprised to see both receive Oscar nominations (if nothing else, for the extended nudity throughout the film. Oscar voters love that, you know).

The film is simple, straight-forward, and predictable, but is does succeed on acting merits alone. If nothing else, see it for Hawkes and Hunt. If not, you are at no great loss.

(Awards Potential: Best Actor (Hawkes), Best Supporting Actress (Hunt), Best Adapted Screenplay))