Unpacking (2022) Review: A Thoughtful and Self-Aware Indie!

Unpacking (2022) is a character-driven drama-comedy set in Bali that examines the booming culture of wellness tourism and influencer-led self-help. Co-directed by Alexandra Clayton and Michal Sinnott, the film frames transformation as both a promise and a performance against a lush, ironic backdrop.

Related – “The Best of Us (2024)” Documentary Review: Poignant!

Influencer Keri Hart invites six women in their thirties to her “soul reset” retreat, each arriving with private wounds and the hope of a fresh start. What follows is a sequence of offbeat workshops—some earnest, some inappropriate—that push the group into awkward confessions, brittle alliances, and surprising tenderness. As exercises fray and personalities clash, the retreat becomes a crucible where curated images give way to messy truth.

Beginning with the positives, I liked that the story is very intimate. It’s all about the characters, their transformation, their healing, them overcoming their struggles, fears, doubts and all. The film gives each woman room to breathe: a trembling admission in a nighttime circle, a small act of kindness that rewires a relationship, a private breakdown that isn’t played for cheap sympathy. Performances are quietly powerful; the camera favors close, unflinching observation, allowing gestures and silences to carry emotional weight. Directors balance satire with compassion, letting humor undercut pretension while honoring each woman’s dignity and the slow, unglamorous work of change.

Among the ensemble, the performances feel organic and lived-in, but what stands out most are Alexandra Clayton and Michal Sinnott themselves as Ruby and Charlotte. Their sisterly dynamic adds both humor and grounding to the film — funny in its banter and arguments, yet powerful in its emotional resonance. There’s a real warmth and authenticity to their chemistry; you can feel years of shared history and unspoken love beneath the teasing. Their arcs are especially well-drawn, reflecting how self-discovery doesn’t always look graceful, but can still feel deeply liberating. The dialogue between them lands with weight and purpose — sometimes piercing, tender — and it’s clear that the directors understood the emotional rhythm of their own writing.

I also appreciated that Clayton and Sinnott didn’t shy away from addressing the issues that often come with wellness tourism. Coming from India, I recognized how exaggerated and inappropriate some of those “spiritual sessions” can be, and I liked that Unpacking acknowledges that with self-awareness. It never crosses into mockery, but it also doesn’t let the culture of performative healing off the hook. On the downside, the pacing occasionally falters. Certain scenes linger longer than necessary, and if you’re not particularly drawn to the film’s themes, it might feel like a slow climb. The dialogue-heavy structure works beautifully for character exploration but can test patience for those expecting something more plot-driven.

Related: Best Drama Movies on Netflix You Shouldn’t Miss!

Ultimately, Unpacking is a thoughtful and self-aware indie that captures both the absurdity and sincerity of the quest for personal growth. It’s intimate, reflective, and unafraid to laugh at its own contradictions. The film celebrates vulnerability and community while challenging the commercialization of spirituality. Though it occasionally meanders, it remains a heartfelt exploration of modern healing — messy, and refreshingly human.

‘Unpacking (2022)’ Rating – 3.25/5