Session 9 (2001)

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.

Director:

Brad Anderson

Writers:

Brad Anderson, Stephen Gevedon

Stars:

David Caruso, Stephen Gevedon, Paul Guilfoyle

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited 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)

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.

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Plot Keywords:

abandoned asylum | lobotomy | coin | mental institution | baby | 

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Taglines:

Fear Is A Place.

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and brief strong violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 September 2001 (Italy)

Also Known As:

A 9a. Sessão

Filming Locations:

Supino's Restaurant, 250 Newbury St, Danvers, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$76,493, 12 August 2001

Gross USA:

$378,176

Company Credits

Production Co:

USA Films, Scout Productions, October Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Filmed during the Summer of 2000 was released during the Summer a year later in limited release due to USA Films going bankrupt. This was the last film produced by USA Films and is now under the Universal Pictures banner.

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Goofs

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.

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Quotes

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

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Alternate Versions

The US DVD contains an additional subplot that was removed from the final cut of the film. A homeless woman resides in Danvers State Hospital, and watches the crew go about their business. Initially presented as a menacing "being", shown as collecting objects (rubbish, leaves, insects) in threes in a room, she then becomes more and more human through the film. The crew observe things to give her presence away. She witnesses their murders, and becomes scared. She then kills Gordon at the end in retribution. Unfortunately, it is badly cut, and shows at several points during the film.

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Connections

Referenced in Outlast (2013)

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Soundtracks

Excerpts from "Climax Golden Twins"
Written and Performed by Climax Golden Twins
Courtesy of Fire Breathing Turtle Records

User Reviews

don't watch alone, but watch it in the dark

I work at a video store and when customers ask me what's a good horror movie that will actually get to them, I don't suggest any of the Freddy or Jason movies. Those are for fans, and I don't consider them to be genuinely frightening. Session 9 is, most definitely, genuinely frightening. It takes place at a mental hospital that is legend where I live. So most people know what I'm talking about when I say Danvers State Mental Hospital. It is one of the few psychologically affective movies that I've ever seen. It takes the audience on a ride through a building that seems alive to it's visitors, and forces the audience to resolve for themselves why things are happening to each character. If you want a movie that is challenging and thought-provoking, this is the one. I always tell my customers to watch this movie in the dark, but not to watch it alone. Just be aware that if there is any distraction during the movie you'll have many questions about it. I hope you enjoy it as much I as do every time I watch it!