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The Paper Bag Plan

Play trailer Poster for The Paper Bag Plan Sep 2025 1h 47m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 3 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
After being diagnosed with cancer, Oscar realizes his overprotectiveness may be holding his son Billy back from gaining independence. Determined to secure Billy's future, Oscar helps him build the skills needed for a job as a grocery store bagger. Their heartfelt journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of fostering self-reliance, revealing the deep love between father and son--and the courage it takes to let go.

Critics Reviews

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Randy Myers San Jose Mercury News Sep 18
3.5/4
Lucero is a rare voice in filmmaking right now, a director who shows enormous compassion and empathy for working-class characters. Go to Full Review
Dennis Harvey 48 Hills Sep 19
Like the writer-director’s prior East Side Sushi, this seriocomedy can wax towards the formulaic and innocuous, but it has the warmth of conviction, and good performances. Go to Full Review
Michael Talbot-Haynes Film Threat Feb 10
9/10
The Paper Bag Plan is a little film that is a big surprise. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Paul Sep 25 Shows heart and soul by example. See more Barbara g Sep 20 A quiet little drama for those who like relationship movies. This very authentic movie will tug on your heartstrings. Don't come to see it if you are looking for a fast action movie with car chases, explosions, or a spy thriller or horror film. See more Vince Q. @Vincedeq 5d An endearing story of a father’s love for his son, this independent film needed slightly better pacing an additional set of story devices allowing us to get closer to Billy’s struggle. In fact, I wish this story was presented solely from Billy’s POV, told through his eyes, and the rolling discovery of his father’s sacrifice through the re-counting of others. Done via the son’s perspective, it would feel more authentic, more of a discovery, and less of a manipulation. See more Josef C Nov 14 The Paper Bag Plan is the latest project from the director of East Side Sushi. While it is currently being featured in limited screenings (follow paperbagplan on Instagram for updates), the film merits wider distribution. While the plot centers on a father trying to encourage his disabled son to become more independent and self-reliant, we find through this process that both the father and son grow, mature, and come to love and respect each other more. There are delightful moments in this film. In particular, the relationship between the son Billy (played by Cole Massie) and Ruby (Jillian Mercado) is a fun through-line in the film. Many of the performances are endearing. If you have a chance, please check out and boost this film. Anthony Lucero's voice is much needed in this world. See more raymond m Oct 20 I'm generally NOT a fan of movies that become tear jerkers, but this was a major exception. Super inspiring. Billy is dynamite in his role. You'd be really a creepzoid to dis this flick. See more Michael S Sep 27 A terrific thoughtful film that exceeded my expectations! The riveting relationship between a father and his disabled son keeps the viewers attention for the full 1 hour and almost 50 minute running time. No spoilers here but look for this film streaming or at selected theaters….a rare look into the lives of real people! See more Read all reviews
The Paper Bag Plan

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Movie Info

Synopsis After being diagnosed with cancer, Oscar realizes his overprotectiveness may be holding his son Billy back from gaining independence. Determined to secure Billy's future, Oscar helps him build the skills needed for a job as a grocery store bagger. Their heartfelt journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of fostering self-reliance, revealing the deep love between father and son--and the courage it takes to let go.
Director
Anthony Lucero
Producer
Ke'alohi Lee Lucero, Anthony Lucero
Screenwriter
Anthony Lucero
Production Co
Blue Sun Pictures
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 19, 2025, Limited
Runtime
1h 47m