Session 9 (2001)

Session 9 (2001) An American psychological horror film. This film has everything it takes to be boring, but Brad Anderson has a way of making films passable and drinkable. That said, Session 9 is still not as good as the very decent The Silent Hour (2024), Stonehearst Asylum (2014) and Transsiberian (2008) or the excellent The Call (2013).

Technical details: The film was produced by Dorothy Aufiero & David Collins (Mr. Death – The rise and fall of Fred A. Leuchter, jr.) Director, Editor & Scriptwriter: Brad Anderson Cinematography: Uta Briesewitz Label: BQHLGenre: can be classified under Horror for various reasons, but mainly under Thriller.

Session 9 was the director’s first film in this style, following two romantic comedies, Next Stop Wonderland (1998) and Happy Accidents (2000). Anderson describes Session 9 as an ‘American tragedy’, and says that he and screenwriter Stephen Gevedon aimed to ‘subvert the conventions of the so-called horror genre that exists now’, which he describes as ‘less teen horror than thriller’. Most of the film was shot in a small section of Danvers Asylum.

According to actor David Caruso, the rest of the building was ‘unsafe’ for filming. Caruso also claims that the sets didn’t need to be dressed, as all the props featured in the film were already there, inside the building.

The actors are none other than Paul Guilfoyle, David Caruso, Joshua Lucas, Peter Mullan, Brendan Sexton, Jr. and Stephen Gevedon. Caruso is the only one I knew. Or so I thought. But Peter Mullan was in Shallow Grave (1994), Braveheart (1995) and Trainspotting (1996). That’s it! And I was confused, because I thought Stephen Gevedon looked like Vincent D’Onofrio! Two actors with great charisma.

I’ve never seen David Caruso in a very impressive role, although I’m always happy to see him again. He can be very natural, that’s for sure, but his best roles are in the series NYPD Blue and CSI Miami.

As with all films, as with everything artistic, there are those who loved it and those who hated it. Those who loved it find it sadly underrated. The film is quite subtle, which is why the reviews are often very negative. It’s not a horror film for teenagers, but a very precise exposition of the genesis and development of a psychological pathology. The protagonist’s sense of unease and suffering, palpable throughout the film, confirms the director’s skill.

It’s a film that can get under your skin. The actors play well, the music isn’t bad and the film as a whole is very dark. The ending is a bit limp, though. Once again, it leaves something to be desired. Those who hated it will just say that it’s ‘not nearly as scary a TV movie as you might have thought from looking at the cover, but it does contain some sequences that are already scary, but are instead triggered by sudden loud trombone sounds.’

At first the story seems exciting and very scary, but by the end it loses itself in madness, the viewer is overwhelmed with far too much new information, leaving them confused. It’s not even explained, or at least not exactly to whom and why the demon appears, and its voice sounds more like a voice eater. The film feels more like an exorcism than a ghost haunting the premises. I liked the quality of the image and the way the film was shot, because they are exciting, even though the whole thing was filmed with cheap HD cameras and the camera is partly directed in documentary style, without lapsing into found footage. If you’re one of those people who don’t need to think after seeing a film because they didn’t understand the context, go and see it!!! Among those who were disappointed, there are those who still liked the cast and the soundtrack, but felt the film was weak. They probably preferred ‘The Machinist’.

A psychotic horror film, special, different, quite captivating, with little slaughter and little blood, but schizophrenia and other phobias that can be fun for those who don’t have them or don’t understand them. The psycho-media atmosphere is becoming increasingly intense. Certainly not a masterpiece. The story remains interesting, but not ultra-enjoyable. It’s not a film to watch again! Let’s face it, most people are expecting something completely different, but the film stands out from the rest cheaply, it makes you think. It’s not for fans of blood and gore, but rather for those who like to be scared out of their wits. Brad Anderson’s style doesn’t seem to be everyone’s cup of tea. In any case, I can’t understand why neither ‘Session 9’ nor ‘The Machinist’ made it to the cinema here. I’ve come across comments along the lines of: ‘You’re always waiting for something to happen, but nothing ever does. Go and see SAW instead, which is really good, and The Hostel. They’re great films! It’s safe to say that for this kind of film buff, it’ll only be the cover that’s the best of the bunch! Shame.