Overview
A poignant exploration of intimacy and self-discovery unfolds in this touching narrative.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- tender
- witty
- sincere
- quiet evening
- adult date night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a tender, funny, grown-up treatment of sex and disability, anchored by exceptional performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Mark seeks sexual experience with the practical and emotional support of Cheryl, his therapist, and Father Brendan.
Mark's iron lung and limited mobility directly structure his pursuit of intimacy and independence.
Father Brendan helps Mark address virginity and sexuality while remaining part of his Catholic moral world.
John Hawkes's vocal and emotional performance contrasts Mark's frail physical presence with his vivid inner life.
Films like The Sessions, and why
The Fundamentals of Caring
shared tender, witty, sex-positive drama about intimacy, vulnerability, and unconventional relationships
Rust and Bone
shared warm dramedy tone, disability-centered perspective, and emotionally candid adult relationships
Lars and the Real Girl
shared true-story basis, mature romantic themes, and empathetic performances centered on constrained lives
Movie Details
- Director
- Ben Lewin
- Release Date
- 2012-05-02
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (635)
Cast
- John Hawkes
- Helen Hunt
- William H. Macy
- Moon Bloodgood
- Annika Marks
- Adam Arkin
- Rhea Perlman
- W. Earl Brown
- Robin Weigert
- Blake Lindsley
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Cinemax Amazon Channel, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Sessions about?
- A disabled writer seeks sexual intimacy through a professional surrogate, discovering confidence, tenderness, and fuller selfhood along the way.
- What is The Sessions like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Sessions as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Sessions violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Sessions.
- What did critics think of The Sessions?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a tender, funny, grown-up treatment of sex and disability, anchored by exceptional performances.
- Which films are like The Sessions?
- Films with a similar feel include The Fundamentals of Caring, Rust and Bone, and Lars and the Real Girl.
- How long is The Sessions?
- The Sessions runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Sessions?
- In United States, The Sessions streams on Cinemax Amazon Channel, Cinemax Apple TV channel.
