Touchy Feely
Common Sense says
age 17+
Disappointing indie drama portrays drug use positively.
- R
- 2013
- 89 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
Positive role models & representations
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs & smoking
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Touchy Feely is an indie drama about an adult brother and sister and their problems connecting with others. In the movie, both characters wind up taking Ecstasy and having a very positive experience from it; it practically solves their problems, and the movie doesn't show any negative consequences -- which could be interpreted as advocating the drug's use. Sex is also an issue: A couple is shown sneaking into a bathroom and having sex, though no graphic nudity is shown. There's some strong language, including two uses of "f--k" and one "s--t." Violence isn't much of an issue except for a scene in which a dental patient throws a temper tantrum in a waiting room. A tiny amount of blood is shown in a scene in the dentist's chair. Ultimately, this is a very strange, unsatisfying movie that's aimed at adults and is unlikely to appeal to many teens.
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What's the story?
Abby (Rosemarie DeWitt) is a successful massage therapist who suddenly develops an aversion to touching human skin, which prevents her from working. This also affects her relationship with her boyfriend, Jesse (Scoot McNairy), even though they were planning on moving in together. Meanwhile, Abby's withdrawn brother, dentist Paul (Josh Pais), suddenly finds that he has the ability to cure his patients who have TMJ pain, and his failing business springs back to life. These twists in the characters' lives cause them to re-assess their connections with others, including Paul's daughter, Jenny (Ellen Page), and Abby's colleague, Bronwyn (Allison Janney). A flirtation with Ecstasy also brings new realizations.
Is it any good?
It's puzzling that Lynn Shelton followed up her successful Your Sister's Sister with such a strange, muddled failure. Your Sister's Sister was an impressively intuitive movie, totally in touch with its characters, their surroundings, and their inner emotions. TOUCHY FEELY begins as four characters gather for dinner, and it's not entirely clear who they are or how they know one another. This shapeless quality continues throughout, as the movie employs a kind of supernatural device -- Abby's sudden revulsion to skin and Paul's sudden ability to heal -- in a naturalistic setting.
What's more, the movie doesn't really go anywhere with these weird changes. Supporting characters, like Page's Jenny, don't have much to do. Shelton incorporates lazy montages and odd dead-ends, and everything comes down to a dreamy, Ecstasy-fueled exploration that simply ends the movie. With such aimlessness, the characters are often lost, and many moments are strained. Only singer Tomo Nakayama provides a moment of gravity.
Talk to your kids about ...
- Families can talk about the characters' use of the drug Ecstasy in Touchy Feely. Is it portrayed as a positive experience? Is there a negative side to it? What are some realistic consequences of drug use?
- Is there any such thing as a "healing touch"? What's special about humans connecting through touch?
- How does the movie portray sex? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
- Does the movie's violent scene -- the angry dental patient -- seem out of place? Why or why not?
Movie details
- In theaters: September 6, 2013
- On DVD or streaming: December 10, 2013
- Cast: Ellen Page, Josh Pais, Rosemarie DeWitt
- Director: Lynn Shelton
- Studio: Magnolia Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: language, some drug use and brief sexuality
For kids who love drama
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.