Session 9

Plot

Tensions rise within an asbestos cleaning crew as they work in an abandoned mental hospital with a horrific past that seems to be coming back.

Release Year: 2001

Rating: 6.7/10 (21,835 voted)

Critic's Score: 58/100

Director:
Brad Anderson

Stars: David Caruso, Stephen Gevedon, Paul Guilfoyle

Storyline
An asbestos abatement crew wins the bid for an abandoned insane asylum. What should be a straightforward, if rather rushed, job, is complicated by the personal histories of the crew. In particular, Hank is dating Phil's old girlfriend, and Gordon's new baby seems to be unnerving him more than should be expected. Things get more complicated as would-be lawyer Mike plays the tapes from a former patient with multiple personalities, including the mysterious Simon who does not appear until Session 9, and as Hank disappears after finding some old coins.

Writers: Brad Anderson, Stephen Gevedon

Cast:

David Caruso
–

Phil

Stephen Gevedon
–

Mike

Paul Guilfoyle
–

Bill Griggs

Josh Lucas
–

Hank

Peter Mullan
–

Gordon Fleming

Brendan Sexton III
–

Jeff

Charley Broderick
–

Security Guard

(as Charles Broderick)

Lonnie Farmer
–

Doctor

(voice)

Larry Fessenden
–

Craig McManus

Jurian Hughes
–

Mary Hobbes

(voice)

Sheila Stasack
–

Wendy

(voice)

Taglines:
Fear Is A Place.

Release Date: 14 September 2001

Filming Locations: 703 Lynnfield Street, Lynn, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office Details

Budget: $1,500,000

(estimated)

Opening Weekend: $76,493
(USA)
(12 August 2001)
(30 Screens)

Gross: $378,176
(USA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min
 |
Spain: 102 min
 |
USA: 97 min

Did You Know?

Trivia:

Only 3 rooms had additions outside of the natural setting for atmosphere, the kitchen had meat hooks hung, the tunnel had plastic surgical gloves hung up, and the hydrotherapy room had a metal tub added. Almost everything else related to the asylum setting was found on site as the crew scoured the building for set dressing to keep things authentic.

Goofs:

Continuity:
When Gordon is sitting in his van outside his house looking at the christening photographs, we can see in the background his wife Wendy and their daughter Emma both in the garden. We then cut to the garden and see Wendy picking up Emma and carrying her into the house. We then cut back to Gordon in his van looking at the photographs, just before he leans over to pick up his bag and leave the van you can clearly see Wendy through the window carrying Emma into the house for a second time.

Quotes:

[first lines]

Phil:
Gordy? You look tired, man. You look beat. Your turn to feed Emma?

User Review

Some movies are too good for people

Rating:

I usually don't write reviews on imdb. But I wanted to in this case after
reading so many
user comments for "Session 9". I think it's a shame that film audiences
today have
become so lazy. Here is a film that displays artistry, subtlety, and
intelligence, relying
on the viewer to actually use their brain instead of be bombarded by
useless
imagery.
This truly is a horrifying movie. And so many people have problems with
it… people say
it's the "worst piece of crap" they've ever seen, but then go and
high-five
each other
while watching "The House on Haunted Hill" or "Jeepers Creepers 2".
Movies
like this are
rare, but making a come-back. The horror is psychological, and the
director's handle
on atmosphere is intimidating. I found this film to be one of the most
disturbing
movies I'd seen in a long time. Another great independent horror film,
"May", is also
suffering from poor reviews by people who don't seem to really understand
what they're
watching, and react angrily to that. If you are a serious movie fan, who
likes to use your
brain and be challenged by a film, watch this movie. It's fantastic. If
you'd rather just
see what the latest computer effects wizards are dreaming up, there a
number
of other
films where things pop out at you and teenagers get killed by something.
Stick to
those.

Session 9: 10/10