The Sessions (2012, dir. Ben Lewin) ****/****

The Sessions tells the tale of Mark O'Brien who, stricken with polio, is forced to live his life in a semi-paralyzed manner, frequently spending his time in an iron lung so he can breathe properly.  He is a virgin and has the desire to have sex.  That's where Helen Hunt's character, Cheryl, comes in.  She is "sex surrogate" providing the means by which O'Brien can become liberated.   Over a series of sessions Cheryl and Mark become sexually involved so Mark can know the joys of a sexual life.  Though by this brief plot description, it may seem like a sexually explicit, adult tale, it is actually a heart-warming, funny, well-acted and satisfying picture which has real heart and humanity.  The performances are top notch and it explores the institution of religion and how it can actually be quite tolerant in its outlook on sexuality.  William H. Macy plays a Catholic priest who O'Brien confides in and provides open-minded, sincere advice to him.  It is a great film and packs an emotional wallop.