Every now and then, an independent movie comes along that challenges our values and prejudices. Fox Searchlight has once again released such a film.

“The Sessions” is a true to life story of a man who suffered the ravages of Polio during the 1950s. The movie takes place in 1988 during his adult life as a writer in Berkley.

In order to survive, Mark O’Brian, played by John Hawkes, spends 20 hours per day living in a negative pressure ventilator or “iron lung.” An iron lung is a sophisticated device that produces an unnatural environment that allows for severely debilitated bodies to breathe with less resistance in order to supply enough oxygen to survive.

During his four hours outside of the ventilator, O’Brian spends his entire life receiving special care and travels everywhere on a wheeled gurney. He cannot move on his own, bathe or turn his head. Although he can experience the sensation of touch, he has no motor control. Up to this point in his life, he has yet to engage in any sexual activity.

Through the advice of his catholic priest, played by William H. Macy, O’Brian plans to lose his virginity through the assistance of Cheryl, a sex therapist played by Helen Hunt. Unlike prostitution, which is illegal in the state of California, sex therapists are given strict guidelines and are professionally trained to delve deep into the psyche of their patients while enhancing their sexual experience. Sex therapists are limited to a maximum of six sessions.

The film does an excellent job of capturing the nature of female attraction. Much of the story’s resolution takes place through Cheryl’s challenges and her coming to terms with life choices.

This is done by highlighting the dismissively absurd attachment style and tact of the male lead. This allows audiences to focus solely toward the emotional attachments of the female roles. This storytelling style is well executed and well received.

This is a film that is intended for mature and educated audiences only. As a romantic dramedy, “The Sessions” is as worthy as date movies come. Couples would do well to attend a screening.

Grade: A-