The Session Wiki

The Sessions was considered one of the  Sundance breakout hits.John Hawkes received two prolonged standing ovations at the film's screening. It was praised by critics at the festival as accessible, enjoyable, and light-hearted.Variety's Peter Debruge said, "... performances are paramount in a film like this, and Hawkes works some kind of miracle despite the self-evident physical limitations of the role. Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter said: "... most decisively, in audience terms, it argues in favor of living a full life, whatever one’s personal constraints, of not being intimidated by societal or religious dogma or, most of all, by one’s fears... Hawkes’ full-bodied vocal and emotional characterization stands in stark contrast to his frail corporal presence. Hunt’s performance may be physically bold but is equally marked by its maturity and composure.".Kerry Weber of America Magazine criticized the depiction of the priest, saying: "His character constantly spouts platitudes that make him sound like his seminary training took place in the self-help section of Barnes & Noble." Weber also criticizes the film for not adhering closely enough to the writings of the real-life Mark. As such, the film does not give due attention to the complex subject matter. Weber says: "Unfortunately for the viewer, “The Sessions” doesn’t make things quite complicated enough