Click to read the article
Session 9 (2001)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:16
Fresh:6
Rotten:10
Average Rating:4.8/10
Consensus: Relying more on atmosphere than gore, Session 9 is effectively creepy.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for language and brief strong violence
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Theatrical Release:Aug 10, 2001 Limited
Synopsis: Brad Anderson's SESSION 9 is a thrilling psychological horror film that uses a haunting backdrop to weave a tale of deep terror. Called in to remove asbestos from the imposing, soon-to-be-renovated... Brad Anderson's SESSION 9 is a thrilling psychological horror film that uses a haunting backdrop to weave a tale of deep terror. Called in to remove asbestos from the imposing, soon-to-be-renovated Danvers State Mental Hospital, the employees of the Hazmat Elimination Company are unprepared for what they're about to step into. The workers--Gordon (Peter Mullan), the troubled owner who has a wife and baby that he desperately needs to support; Phil (David Caruso), a crew chief who mourns his lost girlfriend by smoking marijuana; Hank (Josh Lucas), the cocky gambler who stole Phil's woman; Mike (Stephen Gevedon), a privileged law student who is fascinated with the hospital's history; and Jeff (Brendan Sexton III), Gordon's naïve nephew--begin to unravel and give in to their own inner fears as the hospital wreaks havoc on their fragile mental states. As the week wears on, the disappearance of Hank brings the tension to a boil, resulting in a shocking series of events that only add to the creepy hospital's legend. With SESSION 9, Anderson proves that he is an immensely talented director who has the ability to work in a variety of genres and keep his deeply personal vision intact. [More]
Starring: Peter Mullan, David Caruso, Joshua Lucas, Brendan Sexton
Starring: Peter Mullan, David Caruso, Joshua Lucas, Brendan Sexton, Stephen Gevedon, Paul Guilfoyle, Larry Fessenden
Director: Brad Anderson
Director: Brad Anderson
Screenwriter: Brad Anderson, Stephen Gevedon
Producer: David Collins, Dorothy Aufiero, Michael Williams
Studio: USA Films
Get This Movie
Reviews for Session 9
The movie's misplaced psychological emphasis is matched by its stubble-scraping visual style.
The story doesn't quite pay off, characters are underwritten and the surprise ending is contrived and unconvincing.
Although aimed at restoring the psychological horror movie to full life after years of dormancy, Session 9 is little more than an overworked exercise in jostling red herrings, and not particularly fresh herrings at that.
Yet another lesson to Hollywood that a fright film need not be awash in blood and elaborate special effects.
As the violence escalates, the store of ominousness shrinks and gives way to silliness, leaving some talented actors high and dry.
So effective that its sense of uncertainty lingers long after the theater lights have gone up.
May not quite be more than the sum of its creepy parts, but as a reality-is-fear launch into workaday darkness, it clearly points toward the horror genre's best destiny.
Despite the talent involved and the unbearable atmosphere of the asylum, the script is a letdown. The final resolution is more ludicrous than convincing.
The film never creates any true suspense, and the bloody climax feels forced and phony.
The script for Session 9 is so underwritten that even such lively character actors as David Caruso, Peter Mullan, and Brendan Sexton III are left stranded.
Latest News for Session 9
September 22, 2008:
Five Favorite Films with Chuck Palahniuk
In honor of his latest novel-cum-film, Choke, opening this week nationwide, bestselling author Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club) shares his Five Favorite Films with Rotten Tomatoes! More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 82% 82% | Paranormal Activity |
| 57% 57% | 9 |
| 44% 44% | Jennifer's Body |
| 58% 58% | A Perfect Getaway |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

Moviefone lists their top ten nude scenes from film in 2009.

Thomas Leupp offers us Hollywood.com's take on the best films of the year.

Last week, MSN gave us their top 09 films. Now see what their favorites of the decade are!

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



