Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien, The Sessions tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined - at age 38 - to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality. Ben Lewin’s -The Sessions-, starring John Hawkes in a remarkable performance as O’Brien, is about one disabled man’s quest to have relations with a woman. To do so, he hires a professional sex therapist, Cheryl, played by the equally remarkable Helen Hunt. Rounding out the expert cast is William H. Macy as Father Brendan, whose droll counsel is a balm to the deeply religious O’Brien.