The Sessions Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of The Sessions.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2012, The Sessions is a Drama, Romance, Comedy film directed by Ben Lewin, written by Ben Lewin. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Hawkes as Mark.
What Is the Story of The Sessions?
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Though a childhood bout with polio left him dependent on an iron lung, Mark O'Brien maintains a career as a journalist and poet. A writing assignment dealing with sex and the disabled piques Mark's curiosity, and he decides to investigate the possibility of experiencing sex himself. When his overtures toward a caregiver scare her away, he books an appointment with sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen-Greene to lose his virginity. The screenplay takes time to develop John Hawkes's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
How Is The Sessions Structured?
- Opening Hook: We meet John Hawkes as Mark in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Ben Lewin builds this foundation carefully, and over its 95-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. John Hawkes's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings John Hawkes's arc to its natural conclusion. Ben Lewin's direction provides adequate resolution, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.