A man who developed Polio at the age of six and now as an adult has to spend most of his day in a restrictive iron lung, decides he wants to experience sex for the first time. With the aid of a sex therapist, he discovers not only the ways of the world, but also faces a number of issues which have been repressed for a lifetime.
Based on a true story, this is a film of love, passion, fear and self loathing, played out on a topic which is not often broached, never mind portrayed; sex amongst the physically disabled. The tale is fascinating; tender, and in places extremely comedic, told in a fashion, which leaves the audience feeling triumphant at its close, rather than depressed.
John Hawkes, better known for his forays into TV acting in the likes of "Lost", plays the role of his life, as the almost completely immobile, "Mark O'Brein", a man, whose body has been left needing constant care after a bout of childhood Polio. Now a successful author, "Mark" decides that despite only being able to move his head, he should lose his virginity at the age of 37. After speaking to his priest, "Father Brendan", played by former Oscar nominee William H Macey, he is given the blessing of the church, "Mark" reaches out to sex therapist "Cheryl", portrayed by Helen Hunt.
The former Oscar winner, gets her second nomination for a role which could quite easily be the finest of her career. Her portrayal of the sex therapist "Cheryl", not only calls for Hunt to be nude for large parts of the film, but also shows the true depths of her talent, as she comes to terms with some very strong emotions, which threaten to tear her life apart.
Moon Bloodgood, best known for her work on television, and a role in "Terminator Salvation", gives a superb showing as the very caring "Vera". With a performance such as this, the audience is left wondering why this Nebraskan beauty has not done more work on the big screen and hope that this outing will lead to more feature films. Keep an eye out for "Cheers" legend, Rhea Perlman who has lost none of her on screen charm in this wonderful cameo.
The film discusses some really heavy topics, but is remarkably uplifting and dealt with in a way which lets you leave the cinema with a light heart and believing in the good of life. The only let down for me, was that veteran director Ben Lewin, who also wrote the screen play, was not given more recognition during this awards season.
A truly enjoyable movie and one which should not be missed this year.
8/10
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