When therapy goes awry, how deep does it go? In the psycho-thriller drama Wet Paper Bag, seemingly unorthodox approaches to healing relationships call into question the reality of modern-day psychedelic therapy and its cult-like fascination. A composed professional, Michelle (Nicole Weber), who has a career in investigative journalism, learns that her younger sister, Molly, has disappeared in a very disruptive manner by David Banks (Jud Nichols).

Tensions are high, and Michelle’s producer, Reilly (Adam Burke), has also told Michelle that their show will be canceled if things don’t turn around. Michelle wants to quit. Yet, Banks does not let up, so Michelle and Reilly decide to book a retreat and visit the Haberman Wellness Center undercover, the last known place where Molly was—a retreat for relationship therapy.

In a serene, remote setting, Michelle and Reilly pose as a couple and join a retreat with another couple, Sophie (Megan Mac) and Pete (Jarrod Crooks). Upon meeting the Don (Mike Bredon), Julia (Amber Rhodes), and Janus (Carter Monahan), the Habermans, things seem a bit odd. Immediately, all must adhere to a bond of trust not to leave the retreat, and Janus is not quite right. Shots and pills are administered, and infused drinks are given to begin the relationship therapy via psychedelics, “radical healing through aggressive, drug-fueled treatment” that is a “digital fast” weekend—no cell phones or computers, but there is a pool party.

“Michelle and Reilly decide to book a retreat and visit the Haberman Wellness Center undercover.”

At the helm, Don controls all, including the air pumped in at the Center, with his sidekick wife Julia, while Janus, a Don apprentice, is watching all through hidden cameras and other means. Don also has a lust for his female guests—part of the therapy treatment.

As the retreat moves on, we learn more about the sadistic behaviors that may have led to Molly’s disappearance. Michelle’s savvy uncovers more than she would like, but in a turn of events, she finds a new relationship with her producer. There’s more underlying cult behavior than one can imagine, and it’s damaging, not healing.

A well-crafted, thought-out “slow-burn” psychological drama, Wet Paper Bag holds one’s interest and curiosity. It’s well-directed, with interesting camera angles, strong metaphors, and effective set direction with good props, along with believable actors for its genre. A feather in its cap, Wet Paper Bag features an original score by Emmy Award-winning composer Steve Gernes.

Mike Bredon’s transformation of Don’s groovy, sexy wellness leader into a psycho-freak mass murderer with a sexual fixation is entertaining, as are some of Adam Burke’s acting chops, which make Reilly very likable. Carter Monahan’s portrayal of Janus is one of a kind, and his appearance alone is convincing enough. In addition, Nicole Webber as Michelle is the glue throughout the film. However, Detective Lash (Bear Canada), the investigator, is a missed opportunity and an underdeveloped character who feels a bit weightless in the larger scheme and perhaps underlying purpose of Wet Paper Bag.