Holy Smoke

Ruth Barron, now called Nazni, begins her spiritual journey in India under the guidance of Baba. This transformation leads her parents, Gilbert and Miriam, to grapple with their daughter's new beliefs and the emotional upheaval it causes from afar in Sydney.

Concerned about Nazni's unwavering commitment to her spiritual path, Miriam fabricates a story about Gilbert's health in order to lure her back to Australia. This unfortunate necessity sets off a chain of events that culminates in the family's drastic measures to intervene.

The family's reunion takes place at a resort, where they gather to prepare for Nazni's return. This meeting includes not just immediate family members but also P.J. Waters, an American deprogrammer who specializes in helping individuals return from cult-like influences.

Nazni arrives at the secluded farm, where her family and P.J. confront her beliefs head-on in a surprising intervention. This confrontation aims to shake her faith in Baba and the teachings she has come to embrace.

Despite being resistant initially, Nazni agrees to participate in P.J.'s deprogramming sessions. She insists on returning to India after these sessions, indicating her struggle between family loyalty and her spiritual convictions.

As P.J. isolates Nazni in a cabin, he works to undermine her faith using analogies with Hinduism and cult manipulations. The sessions prompt Nazni to reflect on her beliefs, setting the stage for her transformation.

Yvonne visits Nazni with gifts of new clothing, causing further internal conflict for her. Meanwhile, Nazni's agitation leads her to leave a 'HELP' message in defiance of her containment, highlighting her desire for freedom.

P.J. screens a documentary about notorious cults, including the Manson Family and Rajneesh, revealing the dangers of blind faith. This powerful moment serves as a catalyst for Nazni's introspection into her beliefs.

In a moment of desperation, Ruth, overwhelmed by her situation, sets fire to her sari, symbolizing her struggle against oppression. This emotional turmoil connects her more deeply with P.J., leading to a charged encounter.

As events escalate, Ruth finds herself unconscious in the boot of P.J.'s car. This drastic moment echoes the toxic dynamics of their relationship, setting the stage for a dramatic entanglement.

P.J. encounters Yvonne and the family while racing against time to reclaim Ruth. The chaotic crossroads forces him to make a crucial decision on whether to uphold the toxic bond or liberate her from captivity.

Ruth seizes her chance to escape when Yvonne persuades P.J. to release her. This pivotal moment is underscored by P.J.'s desperate declaration of love as she runs into the wilderness.

As P.J. collapses from exhaustion after chasing after Ruth, he faces the consequences of his actions. This intense moment of vulnerability forces him to confront the reality of their relationship and the impact of his choices.

In the aftermath of their tumultuous encounter, Ruth writes to P.J., detailing her growth in India as she immerses herself in spiritual texts. Despite embarking on another romantic relationship, her unresolved feelings for P.J. linger.

P.J.'s letters back to Ruth reveal his own journey as he builds a family with Carol and their children. Yet, the bond he shares with Ruth remains an undeniable echo in his life, showing that love can withstand time and distance.