Recovery from drug addiction is not at all what one might expect from the dramatic thriller Final Recovery, directed by Harley Wallen. When Rodney (Jasper Cole), a seemingly rough and sick man, is brought into the Sage Treatment Facility under the care of Nanny Lou (Charlene Tilton), he begins to realize, as he detoxes, that healing is not Sage’s priority. He also connects that Nanny Lou, who has been traumatized her entire life by witnessing, as a young girl, the cold-blooded murder of her father by a drug addict during the Christmas season, has other priorities.
Nanny Lou, who adorns many holiday sweaters and surrounds herself with various sentiments of Christmas, controls her Sage intakes with sadistic threats and bizarre schemes to ensure her staff and henchmen comply with her demands. She also keeps her addicts dependent. She touts her commitment to society by helping addicts and rehabilitating them while collecting insurance claim money for those in her care. Eventually, Nanny Lou disposes of individuals to acquire new ones, sending the likes of Rodney and others out into the world to create and continue supplying addicts. The scheme is multi-layered, including the drug addiction process required to maintain Sage.
“She also keeps her addicts dependent…”
Final Recovery is a dark thriller that encompasses every element of harrowing addiction, erratic behavior, disturbing bodily functions, and bizarre actions. Every aspect of Final Recovery is tainted by anger and frustration. Rodney’s life of addiction and his angry ex-wife, Rhonda (Heather Fairbanks), struggle to connect him with their daughter Kylie (Kayden Bryce), presenting a challenging dynamic to witness. Adding to the mix of intolerable addicts at Sage is Rodney’s roommate, Dustin (Damien Chinappi), whose sister, Cindy (Kaiti Wallen), strikes a deal with Nanny Lou for them to work for her. It’s an endless, wicked cycle that Nanny Lou has created.
As Nanny Lou tries to maintain her gig and manage the chaos, Rodney and Dustin detox and find themselves talking and wondering about the disappearance of other addicts, each with a variety of personalities, suggesting more of a psychiatric ward than a recovery addiction center. This situation creates interesting antics for therapist Marianne (Shelby Bradley), nurse Gladys (Chevonne Wilson), and faux doctor Sam Potter (Richard Tyson) to handle. As things disintegrate, the horror builds, and it is a detailed show.
Final Recovery culminates in an excellent slasher-style film that justifies the harrowing addiction scenarios, processes, and physical repulsion that ensue. Although it operates on a low budget, Wallen’s directing hits the mark. He presents his characters with purpose, especially given the significant action and multitude of personalities that Final Recovery showcases, enhancing the film’s credibility. Consider Final Recovery for a horror holiday film if the opportunity arises, as it delivers.
"…culminates in an excellent slasher style film"
