Return to Paradise

Three friends—Lewis, Sheriff, and Tony—are vacationing in Malaysia. They barely avoid being struck while biking, and locals pressure them to buy rhinoceros horn. They also purchase a large bag of hash from a local dealer.

On their last days at the beachfront house, the trio ponders their future. Tony and Sheriff decide to return to New York City, while Lewis wants to travel to Borneo to help orangutans.

After the vacation ends, Sheriff becomes a limo driver and Tony achieves success as an architect. Their paths diverge as they settle back into life in the United States.

Beth, an up-and-coming lawyer, informs them that Lewis has spent the last two years in Penang prison in Malaysia because hash was found at their house. She warns that Lewis will receive the death sentence unless they share responsibility. She promises they will not be tortured or harmed in prison.

Over eight grueling days, they must decide whether to return to share responsibility. During this period, Beth and Sheriff begin a heated love affair, further complicating the decision. Eventually both men decide to return to Malaysia.

They travel back toward Malaysia to face the charges and stand together against the consequences. The plan is to confront the case and protect Lewis as a group.

Upon arrival in Malaysia, all seems well until they visit the prison to see Lewis. The atmosphere grows tense as the reality of the case sinks in.

Lewis appears psychologically damaged from the harsh imprisonment, though officials report he has not been tortured or starved like some prisoners. The toll of confinement becomes clear during the visit.

Beth reveals that she is Lewis's sister and has manipulated the men to bring them back. Tony, frightened by the Malaysian justice system, abandons Lewis and returns to the United States.

Sheriff initially follows Tony but resolves to face jail himself in order to save his friend and returns to the courtroom.

The judge discovers a newspaper clipping blaming the Malaysian system and becomes furious, sentencing Lewis to death despite Sheriff's willingness to take responsibility; Sheriff is also given an unspecified jail term.

As Lewis is led to the execution, Sheriff calls to him from a window, promising he is not alone. Lewis finds solace and dies quietly as the final promise is spoken.

Sheriff consoles Beth, who then reveals that the attorney general has said the Malaysian government will quietly release Sheriff within six months to save face. The tragedy closes with a sense of reluctant peace.

Beth vows to take her brother back home and then return to Malaysia to await his release, tying the fates of all three friends even after the tragedy. The plan suggests a postponement of punishment and a desperate hope for grace.