Starring Academy Award Nominee John Hawkes, Academy Award Nominee William H. Macy and Academy Award Winner Helen Hunt, the film is based on the true story of California-based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien. Portrayed by the exceptionally gifted John Hawkes - who gives a career-defining performance, O'Brien's story is the immensely poignant and surprisingly funny tale of a man, paralyzed by polio who - at age 38 - is determined to finally lose his virginity.