A portrait of love and sex in ‘The Sessions,’ starring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt

The Sessions, the 2012 drama starring John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, is based on the true story of Mark O’Brien (Hawkes) and his quest to lose his virginity. Although the premise might seem like fodder for a teenage rom-com, The Sessions is an intelligent film about important issues of intimacy and acceptance.

Mark lives with an iron lung, and now, at the age of 38, he’s facing an inner-dilemma. He’s never felt the intimate touch of a woman, never lost his virginity, never accomplished this goal. He consults with his local parish priest (William H. Macy) about the problem, and he ruminates about the possibilities with his nurse (Moon Bloodgood). Eventually, Mark decides to hire a sex surrogate, a woman who will help him accomplish this goal.

Cheryl (Hunt) is a professional who understands her profession perfectly. She is paid to have sex with clients, but her lovemaking is less about the pleasure and desire (although that’s included) and more about the education and discovery. For some viewers, and undoubtedly those who first read O’Brien’s article on this chapter in his life, Cheryl’s work seems controversial. The movie doesn’t shy away from the perceptions. There are certain characters in The Sessions who address the surrogacy with furrowed brows, and Cheryl, extremely intelligent and motivated, is able to explain away any doubts. Mark has a need, and she supplies the education.

Most of the story deals less with the perceived shock of sex surrogacy and more with the tender relationship that develops between Cheryl and Mark. Are the two able to separate sex from love? Are the two able to keep everything professional? Mark may lose his virginity, but was that his ultimate goal?

The movie, written and directed by Ben Lewin, never lets the actions overtake the context. Through wonderful narration from Mark, we learn what’s going through his mind and how he’s obviously a gifted writer. His clinical understanding of this surrogacy allows a certain demystification of the process. When Cheryl first disrobes, it seems matter of fact, like a doctor’s appointment rather than a tryst. These two characters redefine the act of sex by examining the act itself.

The acting from Hawkes and Hunt is superb. Both are extremely dedicated to their performances, especially Hawkes who remains with the iron lung for most of the movie. Watch how Hawkes is able to morph his body and spirit into this character. He becomes a man not asking for pity or sympathy, but one asking for a chance to experience an act his contemporaries seemingly take part in regularly. He doesn’t want to be left out.

Hunt plays almost two characters. One is the professional surrogate who is all business when around Mark. The other is a mother and wife who tries to process the work afterward. At first, she seems like the kind of character who is able to separate these two worlds, but Mark proves to be a challenge. He talks to her in such poetic verse and with such kind respect that it proves more difficult to leave her family life at home and her professional life in the bedroom.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• The Sessions
• 2012
• Written and directed by Ben Lewin; based on the article by Mark O’Brien
• Starring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy and Moon Bloodgood
• Running time: 90 minutes
• Rated R for strong sexuality including graphic nudity and frank dialogue
• Rating: