The Diversion of Janice Hutchings

An emotionally repressed, successful Melbourne businesswoman submits herself to a radical psychological program that will forever change her life.

To avoid a prison sentence and subsequent criminal record, Janice Hutchings agrees to undertake an educational diversion plan, initially suggested by her mother, a renowned psychologist.

The program is supervised by Officer Manning, the arresting officer. She is a large, intimidating woman who, along with the presiding magistrate, firmly believes that the plan should also include suitable punishment.

Administered at the home of a brilliant psychologist and former student of her mother's, Gordon McGuire-a passionate penal reformist-the program is based on his revolutionary, intense methods. The lack of security, however, in his private residence means that permanent restraints are deemed necessary by both the officer and magistrate.

And so begins Janice's strange, eccentric journey, where her restrictive confinement and psychological experiments lead to the revelation of dark family secrets, repressed traumas and emotional upheaval.