7.2
Where can I stream The Sessions legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Sessions
2012·Movie
·1h 35min·R·
The Sessions fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Hopeful and cathartic
- Hopefulness8
- Catharsis8
- Romance7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy4
- Dark Humor3
World
Everyday modern life, a real life story, and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Sessions is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumHopeful and cathartic
Emotionally, it's hopeful, cathartic, and romantic.
All heart traits
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, a real life story, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, a real life story, and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Biographical7Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational5Informative and instructive.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchComfort WatchThought-Provoking
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The festival hit of the year!
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.
Sex SurrogateDisabilityIntimacyCharacter-DrivenBiographicalEmotionalDialogue-HeavyPoignantHuman Connection
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Loading video…
Questions about The Sessions
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Sessions worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 91%, and Metacritic 79). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Sessions rated?
RNuditySexual contentStrong language
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, and strong language.
How long is The Sessions?
1 h 35 min
The Sessions runs 1 h 35 min.
Is The Sessions based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Sessions?
Critics85
Audiences76
Not quite. Critics rate The Sessions higher (85) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Sessions a box office hit?
Budget$1 million
Box office$9 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $1 million to make and earned $9 million worldwide, 9.1 times its budget.
What language is The Sessions in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Sessions?
77
+63
+63GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Sessions in 77 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Sessions use?
Commonality ConnectionNaked People Are FunnyMale Frontal NudityDeadpan SnarkerDesperately Craves AffectionSaintly ChurchThe Body Parts That Must Not Be NamedBookendsInspirationally DisadvantagedThe Grunting OrgasmBittersweet EndingRomantic False Leadand 34 more
TV Tropes lists 46 storytelling tropes for The Sessions, including Commonality Connection, Naked People Are Funny, Male Frontal Nudity.