The Paper Bag Plan

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The Paper Bag Plan

2025

1h 47m

Drama

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4 Reviews

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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.

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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.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Feb 10

3.5/4.0

A well-told, beautifully realized story.

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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.

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Michael Talbot-Haynes

Film Threat

02/10/2025

9/10

The Paper Bag Plan is a little film that is a big surprise.

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Paul

Sep 25

Shows heart and soul by example.

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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.

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Deidre O

@RT08754897 Jun 3

This is the reason why I watch movies. Tired of the formulaic garbage that is usually streaming. So happy to stumble across this gem.

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Les N

@Vegas628 May 31

Well worth a look despite the obvious inexperienced of the actors.

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Vince Q.

@Vincedeq Dec 19

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.

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Josef C

@RT75344710 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.

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Anthony Lucero

Director

Diana Lee Inosanto

Actor

Ravi Kapoor

Actor

Lance Kinsey

Actor

Chandra Russell

Actor

Gill Gayle

Actor

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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