The Surrogate shot out of Sundance with a major distribution deal with Fox Searchlight, a ton of high praise for stars John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, and arguably the best shot at becoming a major crowd pleasing hit. In my earlier review, I likened it to Best Picture winner, The King's Speech, in that both were inspirational human stories about overcoming physical limitations. Those types of films always play well, and Fox seemed to recognize that, changing the title to the more palatable 'The Sessions', and giving it a release date closer to awards voting.
The first trailer for The Sessions has been released, and it gives a solid look at how touching, funny, and whimsical the film often is. Based on the writings of poet/humorist Mark O'Brien, the film tells of his life as a man paralyzed by polio, forced to live in an iron lung for his entire life. Having only rarely known love but never experienced sex, he determines to finally lose his virginity at the ripe old age of 38. Hunt plays Mark's sexual surrogate, who teaches him how to respect himself first, before navigating the intricacies of intercourse. William H. Macy plays Mark's progressive thinking priest, who dispenses often hilarious pearls of wisdom.
Hawkes is as charming here as he is frightening in movies like Winter's Bone, but it's Helen Hunt who has the bravest performance. She spends the bulk of the film in the nude, and has some pretty frank conversations about sex that may rub some Academy voters the wrong way. It'll be interesting to see if the premise turns people off, or if that'll be the hook to luring them in. The Sessions opens on October 26th. Check out the trailer below...
