To outsiders, Alcoholics Anonymous is often considered a cult. Two filmmakers of diverse perspectives demystify this organization. Road trips, archival footage, interviews and arguments combined with the testimony of AA members, their faces masked by hand-drawn animation, provide insight into an organization rarely depicted on film.—Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous, now celebrating its 75th anniversary, is a fellowship of recovery from alcohol addiction, but is often considered a cult by outsiders.
Two filmmakers of diverse perspectives, investigate the mysteries and merits of this world-wide organization long dedicated to anonymity.
They embark on a rollicking journey, exploring the Vermont childhoods of AAs pioneers, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, and the origins of their revolutionary vision: a program whose success relies simply on one alcoholic helping another.
The film is propelled by on-screen discussions between the filmmakers. It also includes a humorous dose of archival footage and spirited interviews with specialists on Prohibition.
But the heart of the film is its unique access to the testimony of actual AA members. These people agreed to speak openly in front of the camera if their identities were disguised. Hand drawn animated faces are layered onto the live action footage, making it possible to witness the inner workings of an organization that is rarely depicted on film.
