Body Brokers

The film opens with an advertisement for New West Recovery (NWR), a rehabilitation center based in Los Angeles. Founded by Vin, a former addict, he emphasizes the transformative effect of the Affordable Care Act on addiction treatment accessibility.

Meanwhile, in Columbus, Ohio, a homeless couple named Utah and Opal struggles with their drug habits. To support their addiction, they resort to robbing convenience stores and engaging in sex work, showcasing the desperate lengths they go to.

While panhandling, Utah and Opal meet Wood, a sponsor from NWR. He offers them a meal and presents an opportunity for rehabilitation, attempting to provide hope amidst their dire circumstances.

After initially refusing help, Utah ultimately decides to accept Wood's offer and travels to Los Angeles for rehabilitation. Opal, still entrenched in addiction, chooses not to join him and remains in Ohio.

Weeks later, Utah encourages Opal to join him in treatment, but she is resistant. Eventually, with Wood's support, she decides to enter NWR, leading to financial benefits for Utah as a referral.

Utah starts to engage in multi-level marketing for NWR, making money by referring other patients. Despite initial successes, he struggles with ethics as the business relies on inflated medical tests and unnecessary procedures.

Tensions rise when the unethical Dr. Riner demands a larger cut from a controversial procedure. He belittles Wood and Utah in the process, escalating conflicts within the treatment center.

In a moment of rage, Wood kills Dr. Riner after a heated confrontation. The act adds a dark twist to the burgeoning treatment industry and leaves both Wood and Utah grappling with the consequences.

After the murder, Vin gives Wood and Utah advice to lay low and leave town temporarily. The recommendation underscores the urgency to hide their criminal actions amidst the rising tension and fear of being caught.

At LAX, Utah meets a new referral who he allows to take one last fix before entering NWR. Unfortunately, this decision leads to a fatal overdose, highlighting the vulnerabilities surrounding addiction.

In a moment of weakness, Utah succumbs to temptation during the referral's overdose. This tragic turn of events portrays the exploitative nature of NWR's operations and illustrates the perilous journey of recovery.

The film concludes with an epilogue that highlights alarming statistics on addiction and the prevalence of similar criminal enterprises like NWR. It suggests that twelve-step programs remain the most effective, yet often overlooked, means of treatment.