Sam Corneile, a drifter, returns home to take a job at a local mental institution where he discovers a group of patients being exploited under an art therapy regimen. While there, he falls for Helen, a feisty but troubled female who dares him to confront his past.
Sam walks in on his Dad entertaining his new lady friend and makes it clear he doesn't like her. Back at Farmhouse, it becomes obvious to Sam that Dr. Crawford is messing with the patients' medication to induce more outlandish paintings. Helen continues her flirting with Sam and he starts to open up to her. Sam continues his affair with Naomi.