Trauma Therapy: Psychosis – A Twisted Retreat into the Dangers of Extreme Self-Help

 

Review of Trauma Therapy: Psychosis

Directed by Gary Barth, Written by Tom Malloy and David Josh Lawrence

Trauma Therapy: Psychosis, directed by Gary Barth, is an unsettling dive into the toxic world of extreme self-help culture. Set in the remote outskirts of Kirkcaldy, Scotland, the film follows five vulnerable individuals who arrive at an intensive retreat to face their inner traumas, led by the controversial self-help guru Tobin Vance (Tom Malloy). Recently exiled overseas due to federal pressure in the U.S., Vance has reinvented his “Trauma Therapy” program with a focus on online “therapy” that pushes ethical and psychological boundaries.

The retreat’s program—hosted by Vance’s steely assistant Elizabeth (Hannah New) and former student John—initially appeals to the participants' eagerness for transformation. But as Vance’s methods intensify, involving lie detectors, firearms, and experimental drugs, the group is driven to extreme measures, each forced to decide whether to confront their fears or fall victim to the program’s increasingly dangerous demands. Malloy, who also co-wrote the film, brings a dark charisma to Vance, portraying him as a manipulative figure who exploits others’ vulnerabilities under the guise of healing.

To be truly effective, a psychological thriller must create tension by immersing viewers in its characters’ emotional and mental struggles. The best films in this genre—like Hereditary and Black Swan—excel by building a sense of dread and uncertainty that leaves audiences questioning reality. Trauma Therapy: Psychosis touches on these themes, but it sometimes prioritizes shock over psychological depth. While it successfully creates an ominous atmosphere, it doesn’t fully explore the nuanced emotional complexities that could make its themes of trauma and manipulation more impactful.

The casting, while generally strong, could benefit from more diversity, which would broaden the film's appeal and bring fresh perspectives to the narrative. Hannah New delivers an impressive performance as Elizabeth, Vance’s morally ambiguous assistant, grounding the story with her nuanced portrayal of loyalty and power dynamics. However, New often carries the film single-handedly, and stronger casting choices could have better supported the story’s cult-like atmosphere, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding horror.

Cinematographers Michael Brewster and Gavin Robertson contribute greatly to the film’s visual tension, with inventive framing and the eerie beauty of the Scottish woods adding to the sense of isolation and suspense. The technical elements are strong, creating a backdrop that enhances the film’s darker themes. Yet, with a more layered script, the visuals might have had an even greater impact, elevating the story’s exploration of power and control within a toxic therapeutic setting.

In the end, Trauma Therapy: Psychosis is an ambitious thriller with moments of real tension, but it falls short of its potential. Malloy’s vision delivers entertaining suspense, yet the film would benefit from deeper character exploration and a more dynamic cast. For a story about facing one’s deepest fears, Trauma Therapy: Psychosis could have used a braver approach in fully delving into its characters’ psychological landscapes, making for a more profound and haunting experience.

Quiver Distribution VOD Release