Colton of The Daily Rotation wrote, "Based on the article “On Seeing a Sexual Surrogate” by the late Mark O’Brien, The Sessions pinpoints on a disabled man’s sexual awakening and his pursuit to lose his virginity. Premiering earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, the comedy/drama proved to be a crowd pleaser where it took home the festival’s audience award. Shortly after, the film was picked up by indie-centered Fox Searchlight Pictures for distribution and is now making the festival rounds before it’s limited release this month. The Sessions is a film that shouldn’t be missed due to the remarkable lead performance by John Hawkes and a heartfelt screenplay courtesy of writer/director Ben Lewin. It’s a rare film that explores sexuality and connection with a little uneasiness, hilarity, and emotion."
Jeremy of We Got This Covered wrote, "Ben Lewin’s The Sessions might just sound like the oddest idea for a film on paper; being about a bed-ridden man with polio that’s last wish is to lose his virginity before it’s too late, but the film blends together the drama and comedy quite well. John Hawkes delivers a performance worthy of praise, playing the crippled genius with a sharp sense of humor and a refreshing outlook on life, pushing The Sessions forward as a film that’s not afraid to get really inappropriately funny when it needs to be, while also staying on its dramatic path. If you’re looking for a film that’s a little out of the ordinary you might want to read further."
Nicholas of Movies Hate You Too writes:
You would think that the studios would like to spread their films around a bit so that a lot of new releases wouldn't come out the same week but here we are again. One of, if not the biggest movie of last year spies its way onto Blu-ray and is joined by RZA's directorial debut, a flowery teenage 'dramedy', 2012's only film about a virgin stuck in an iron lung, a couple of Showtime's most heralded shows, and we are beckoned back to Silent Hill. For once there isn't much of note concerning catalog titles, hopefully we'll have more luck next week.
TF:
Aided by committed, awards-ready performance, The Sessions transforms ‘taboo’ subject matter into a humorous, humane and uncomplicated pleasure.
