Touchy Feely (2013)

Touchy Feely Poster

Abby is a sought after massage therapist and a free spirit, while her brother Paul thrives on routine, running a failing dental practice with his assistant and daughter Jenny. Suddenly, Abby develops an aversion to bodily contact, which not only makes her unable to do her job, but also severely affects her relationship with her boyfriend. As Abby navigates her way through an identity crisis, her brother's dental practice receives new life when clients seek out his “healing touch.”

Introduction
"Touchy Feely", launched in 2013, is a family-centred independent drama movie directed by Lynne Shelton. The movie quickly sets an intriguing and complex story, raising existential concerns about emotional and physical intimacy. Its quirky cast of characters, including Rosemarie DeWitt, Josh Pais, and Ellen Page, produce an engaging story that explores human connection, family dynamics, recovery, and individual growth.

Plot Overview
The primary lead character, Abby (DeWitt), is an effective massage therapist leading an apparently fulfilling life. She remains in a stable relationship with her sweetheart Jesse (Scoot McNairy) and shows a deep enthusiasm for her occupation. Contrasting Abby's happiness is her sibling Paul (Pais), a socially uncomfortable dental professional struggling in both his professional and personal life. He has a stagnant oral practice and an emotionally far-off relationship with his child, Jenny (Page).

A sudden and inexplicable hostility to skin contact upends Abby's life, making her incapable of performing her job as a massage therapist. Concurrently, Paul finds an unique healing ability-- an inexplicable 'recovery touch' that all of a sudden raises his previously slow dental practice. These unusual and dramatic changes begin to affect their individual relationships and mental health, pushing them to question their own identities and life purposes.

Characters and Performances
Rosemarie DeWitt's representation of Abby as a free-spirited and independent lady managing a mysterious condition is poignant and compassionate, recording the character's internal mayhem efficiently. Josh Pais plays Paul with wacky appeal, embodying a male filled with insecurities suddenly finding a discernible function. Ellen Page, as Jenny, conveys subtle nuances of an unfulfilled life and the yearning for the unidentified with maturity. The remainder of the cast, including Scoot McNairy as Jesse, delivers similarly gripping efficiencies, enhancing the movie's general texture.

Styles and Execution
"Touchy Feely" deals with styles of human connection, intimacy, recovery, and psychological improvement. It uses the inexplicable phenomena taking place to Abby and Paul as metaphors for larger existential problems. The expedition of these themes is subtle and frequently driven by the intricacies of the characters rather than overt drama.

Director Lynne Shelton plays masterfully with the juxtaposition of Abby and Paul's distinct predicaments, utilizing them to explore the dichotomies of life and humanity. The motion picture intentionally blurs the limits in between physical and psychological intimacy, concrete and intangible healing, and success and happiness.

Conclusion
While the film's ending may not offer all the responses, it encourages audiences to analyze and relate to the styles and issues in their method. "Touchy Feely" rewards patient viewers with its grounded performances and reflective storytelling. Regardless of its uncommon plot, it provides a relatable story about human vulnerability, personal growth, and the complexities of psychological and physical connections. This film functions as a thoughtful expedition of the human condition, making it a meaningful watch.

Top Cast

  • Rosemarie DeWitt (small)
    Rosemarie DeWitt
    Abby
  • Allison Janney (small)
    Allison Janney
    Bronwyn
  • Ron Livingston (small)
    Ron Livingston
    Adrian
  • Scoot McNairy (small)
    Scoot McNairy
    Jesse
  • Tomo Nakayama
    Henry
  • Elliot Page (small)
    Elliot Page
    Jenny
  • Josh Pais (small)
    Josh Pais
    Paul
  • Amber Wolfe Wollam
    Massage Client #1
  • Ethel R. Deans
    Mrs. Elvsted
  • Shannon Kipp
    Susan
  • Khanh Doan
    Massage Client #2