Session 9 — A haunted building and a fraying crew
The film leans on slow dread but struggles to balance its eerie mood with coherent character development. The setting is more unsettling than the people within it.
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Spoiler-free review.
The crew’s isolation in the asylum creates pressure that builds slowly but never fully erupts into clear conflict. David Caruso plays a leader trying to hold things together, but his performance lacks the weight needed for such a tense environment. Peter Mullan adds some grit, but his role remains underexplored and underdeveloped.
The audio sessions from the asylum patient are eerie but don't connect well with the crew's struggles. The film builds tension through suggestion rather than direct horror. There's some tension between the crew members, but it doesn't create a strong shared emotional experience.
Dialogue feels stilted at times, especially during moments meant to convey unease or fear. The pacing drags in quieter scenes, making the horror feel more like a mood than a force. Josh Lucas and Brendan Sexton III contribute to the group’s tension but lack clear personal motivations.
The film keeps you guessing but doesn't fully answer the questions it raises. Its best parts come from the eerie atmosphere rather than its characters or plot. Despite its flaws, Session 9 works as a mood piece that leaves you with a sense of something unseen.
2001 · English. Film details · Film details
7/10
My verdictThe film leans on slow dread but struggles to balance its eerie mood with coherent character development. The setting is more unsettling than the people within it.
— Desly