Session 9 (2001) Review by: Ted "Ritualistic" Brown

Danvers State Mental Hospital, closed down for 15 years, is about to receive five new visitors. Hazmat Elimination Co. seals a deal to remove dangerous asbestos from the hospital, which is soon to be renovated. The five-man crew dons protective gear and ventures into the eerily vast and vacant spaces and corridors of the hospital. The crew is drawn deeper into the mysteries that surround the asylum rampant patient abuse, medieval medical procedures, and rumors of demonic possession. The hospital holds many dark secrets but then, so do each of the men in Brad Anderson's "Session 9".

It's a very rare occurrence that a film authentically creeps me out, but thanks to the intense atmosphere created by "Session 9" it has landed itself on that short list. As someone who has spent a lot of time in abandoned prisons and hospitals, I can tell you when inside one; it is very hard not to let your imagination get the best of you at times.

The buildup in this film is a very slow burn, and they use this mechanic perfectly making sure you do not become bored with all the character development that you are overloaded with during the first half of the movie, while at the same time using it to create an ultra tense situation between all the parties involved. The in-depth background given on the relationships between each of the characters in "Session 9" is amazing and really keeps you engrossed in what is unfolding in front of you, this leads to there never being a dull moment in "Session 9".

Something that I really loved about this film was the use of skillful editing and sound to create a truly scary ambiance, a few of the sudden changes in audio were so clever and seamless that I even jumped a couple of times. The entire look and feel of "Session 9" produces such a beautifully dark and uneasy setting that you will not soon forget about Danvers State Mental Hospital.

The acting in "Session 9" is flawless; David Caruso (Phil), Stephen Gevedon (Mike), Josh Lucas (Hank), Peter Mullan (Gordon), and Brendan Sexton III (Jeff) all play their roles with precision. The interactions between each character is so lifelike and believable that you will find yourself forgetting it's only a well written script and not a retelling of a true occurrence.

Also I really enjoyed the use of light and darkness in "Session 9", the dim shadows created by the low light creeping through busted windows really added to that creepy feeling in the pit of your stomach that says "let's get out of here" whenever you are somewhere that you have a feeling you shouldn't be. One of my favorite scenes in this film from a visual standpoint involves Jeff and a very long hallway near the end of the movie, which is all I will say for spoilers sake, but take note when you see this scene how amazing the use of the darkness is and how genuinely scary the scenario really is.

If you are looking for a scary paranormal / psychological thriller style horror film I highly recommend you give "Session 9" a watch. I really enjoyed this movie and found myself on edge many times during it creating an experience I will not soon forget. On behalf of The Liberal Dead I give "Session 9" a 9 out of 10 and recommend not only you watch this one but own a copy for your collection.

9/10

- Ted "Ritualistic" Brown