Indie Spotlight: John Hawkes and Helen Hunt shine in "The Sessions"

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight

John Hawkes has mastered the art of playing the villain in films such as Winter's Bone and Martha Marcy May Marlene. However, he completely switches gears for his latest role, as poet and polio survivor Mark O'Brien, in the recently released film The Sessions. Based on a true story, O'Brien contracted polio at a young age and essentially lost his mobility, except in his head and face, and he needs the assistance of an iron lung to breathe. As Mark approaches middle age, he decides that he wants to lose his virginity before he dies and initially consults a priest, Father Brendan (William H. Macy), for guidance. Father Brendan, sympathizing with Mark's plight, takes a liberal stance with the request, but clearly has conflicting emotions, which are conveyed perfectly by the always reliable Macy, whose comedic talents are razor sharp.

After falling in love with at least one of his caretakers, the ever charming, positive and intelligent Mark seeks out a sex surrogate, Cheryl Cohen Greene (Helen Hunt), since he is unsure how long he has to live. He does not have the patience to wait any longer and despite feelings of love being reciprocated by other women, they cannot get past their own issues to allow themselves to be fully loved by Mark. The initial meeting between Cheryl and Mark does not go well, mainly because of nerves and their unusual relationship. However, over time Cheryl and Mark become closer than either one of them suspected, which places Cheryl is a difficult situation, because she is a professional and is only able to see Mark for a fixed number of sessions.

It is impossible for those who encounter Mark not to like him. He endears himself to others just by being himself. He is incredibly funny and completely likable. He is also devoid of sentimentality and there is not even a hint that he feels sorry for himself. Mark has made the best of his situation and has lived longer than anyone thought possible, which makes a strong case for the power of the mind to overcome physical illness. Cheryl is impressed with Mark's resolve and finds herself being drawn to him, as she helps him explore his body and discover what feels good. This causes problems for Cheryl, who is married. When her husband, Josh (Adam Arkin), finds a letter, complete with a poem, from Mark, he promptly throws it away, but Cheryl picks through the trash in the middle of the night to find the letter and allow herself to feel something with Mark that she cannot with Josh. Their sessions together become the centerpiece of this film, which will make you laugh one moment and then cry the next.

John Hawkes and Helen Hunt are phenomenal in the respective roles, which should garner award season attention. Of course, Hawkes has the more difficult job, as he is limited to using only his facial features and vocalizations to convey the many emotions that Mark is experiencing for the first time. Nevertheless, Hawkes completely becomes the character and pulls viewers in with little effort. Hunt, who has been absent from film for some time, delivers some of her best work to date, as the patient and caring Cheryl, who tries her best to remain professional at all times. Hunt should also be credited for appearing nude in several scenes, which is very brave for any actor.

Writer/director Ben Lewin's screenplay is also award worthy and constantly walks the tightrope between comedy and drama, with outstanding results. The various emotions that viewers are likely to feel throughout the film are a testament to the genuine nature of the screenplay and to the aforementioned performances, which also feel completely authentic. The fact that the film is based on a true story will make viewers marvel at what someone can do with their life with limited mobility, a positive attitude and a huge heart that is not afraid to be broken.