Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California -- based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien, THE SESSIONS tells the story of a man (John Hawkes) who lived most of his life in an iron lung who is determined - at age 38 - to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapist (Helen Hunt) and the guidance of his priest (William H. Macy), he sets out to make his dream a reality.