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The Sessions

Name: The Sessions
Director: Ben Lewin
Released: 2012
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

8.4/10

Excellent

2012

Director

Ben Lewin

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by highlighting the ability to act of its disabled protagonist rather than focusing on the spectacle of his condition. It centers on a character who maintains intellectual and sexual autonomy despite his reliance on an iron lung. While the narrative excels in representing disability and critiquing cultural norms, it lacks significant racial and ethnic diversity. The story primarily focuses on a localized interpersonal conflict. Ultimately, the work challenges societal hierarchies by redefining the boundaries of normalcy and human dignity through a specific, character-driven perspective.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Sessions have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film examines unconventional relationships and challenges typical social roles. It portrays intimacy as a professional and deliberate choice rather than a purely instinctive connection.

How does The Sessions portray gender?

Good

Cheryl is shown with significant professional influence and intellectual depth. She avoids the stereotype of a submissive caregiver and navigates a complex professional environment with authority.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Sessions?

Fair

The story centers on personal interactions within a Western setting. While it doesn't explore multi-layered diversity, it avoids relying on obvious racial stereotypes.

How does The Sessions represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative emphasizes individual paths to fulfillment over traditional religious frameworks. It critiques the limitations of conventional social norms by validating non-traditional approaches.

Does The Sessions include disability representation?

Excellent

The protagonist seeks experiences actively rather than passively receiving care. The film avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on his complex, human desires.

Present on Screen

Highlights the ability to act of a character with a significant physical disability.
Avoids 'inspiration porn' by focusing on complex, human desires.
Challenges traditional gender roles through a professional, capable female lead.
Critiques restrictive religious and social norms through a secular viewpoint.

Limited or Absent

Lacks multi-layered diversity regarding racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Primarily focuses on a relationship centered around traditional gender roles.

Official Synopsis

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.

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