'Unpacking' Review: A Smart, Sassy Take on the Self-Help Craze
- Romey Norton
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - June 10, 2025
Unplugging, manifesting, and being present. All things we hear and feel we need to do to be our ‘best selves’. Set against the lush backdrop of Bali’s jungle retreats and infinity pools, Unpacking (2022) delivers a whip-smart, emotionally resonant dramedy that asks: What are we really trying to fix when we try to “find ourselves”? As someone who has done the whole Bali thing, I found this film a fun and smart take on today’s culture of needing to discover who you are by travelling away from everything you know.
What is the Film 'Unpacking' About?
Co-directed by Alexandra Clayton and Michal Sinnott, this indie feature leans into the absurdities of wellness culture without losing sight of the very real emotional fractures that often send people on these so-called journeys of transformation. It’s part satire, part self-examination, with a whole lot of heart.
The story follows a group of six American women who travel to a tropical retreat expecting yoga, green juices, and emotional clarity. What they get is far messier. Led by a well-meaning but sometimes clueless guru and her grounded local assistant, the women are forced to confront their identities, and the line between spiritual growth and performative healing becomes hilariously and painfully blurred.
The ensemble cast brings an impressive range to the screen. Each woman is distinct, flawed, and relatable. From the jaded divorcee to the overwhelmed new mother, there’ll be someone an audience member can resonate with. The chemistry between them evolves from cautious distance to messy, moving connection. Everyone is both enjoying and hating this journey they’ve put themselves on.
Unpacking walks a fine line between comedy and sincerity, and that’s its strength. It’s not afraid to poke fun at Westernised spirituality, influencer culture, or the #healing hashtag — but it never mocks the genuine desire for growth. The film ultimately celebrates vulnerability, connection, and the imperfect ways people try to feel whole again.
Some sections did make me giggle, especially when it harmlessly pokes fun at spirituality like the power of crystals. Then other sections are heart breaking - but it's letting the audience see the vulnerability of sharing your trauma can be reaffirming.
Visually, Unpacking uses its Balinese setting not just as a postcard-perfect backdrop but as a subtle counterpoint to the emotional chaos unfolding within its characters. Sun-drenched beaches and jungle paths become metaphors for escape, reflection, and ultimately, acceptance. The cinematography is warm and intimate, and the pacing gives each storyline space to breathe.
As the story/plot continues, these women are all on their own journeys, and it’s not hard to follow. With a decent runtime of an hour and twenty minutes, the film does well in keeping a steady pace and keeping the audience engaged. The ending is wholesome, and ties the film up nicely; it’s both fun and fulfilling.
Is 'Unpacking' Worth Watching?
Yes — Unpacking is funny, fierce, and refreshing. For anyone who's ever booked a retreat/holiday hoping it’s going to change their life, or just dreamed of doing it, this is a film that hits the sweet spot between entertainment and emotional truth. And do you know what else this film does? Makes me want to book another trip to Bali. You can watch Unpacking on Prime Video.
'Unpacking' is available now on Prime Video
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