Touchy Feely

Touchy Feely

Year: 2013

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Lynn Shelton

Drama

A dentist finds he has an unexpected ability to alleviate his patients’ discomfort. Simultaneously, his sister struggles with a profound aversion to touch, causing a growing distance between them as they grapple with their contrasting approaches to healing and connection. The situation creates a poignant exploration of human interaction and the complexities of empathy.

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Touchy Feely (2013) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Touchy Feely (2013), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

As the bond between massage therapist Abby and her boyfriend Jesse begins to crumble, an unsettling aversion to human contact takes hold of Abby, forcing her to take a break from her job. This unexpected revulsion has significant consequences for her relationship with Jesse, as she finds it increasingly challenging to either touch him or be touched. In a desperate attempt to revive their connection, Abby suggests they try ecstasy pills, provided by Bronwyn, which ultimately results in the end of their cohabitation.

Meanwhile, Abby’s brother Paul grapples with the challenges of running a struggling family dentistry practice, facing dwindling clientele and a reluctance to engage in marketing. When his daughter Jenny invites her friend Henry in for a routine teeth cleaning, Paul is initially unimpressed. However, he unexpectedly alleviates Henry’s temporomandibular joint dysfunction, sparking a wave of new patients eager for his distinct healing methods. Encouraged by this newfound interest, Paul seeks out Bronwyn to learn Reiki, hoping to enhance his offerings to clients. His initial success is short-lived, however, as a disgruntled patient collapses in the waiting room, casting doubt on Paul’s abilities and causing devastating fallout. Witnessing her father’s struggles, Jenny runs from the office, tears streaming down her cheeks.

As Abby’s relationship with Jesse reaches a critical juncture, she leaves him behind, penning a breakup note and moving in with Paul. Under the influence of ecstasy, she strolls through a park, where she serendipitously meets Adrian, who introduces her to a world where her aversion to physical touch dissipates. Meanwhile, Paul stumbles upon a leftover ecstasy tablet and, driven by intrigue, consumes it, leading him to Bronwyn’s abode. There, their mutual chemistry ignites, culminating in a passionate kiss.

As Abby distances herself emotionally from Jesse, Jenny seeks solace in her ex-boyfriend, coaxing him to attend Henry’s music concert. The night wraps up with Jesse gently refusing her request to kiss, reiterating his lingering affection for Abby. Later, after Jenny falls asleep at Jesse’s home, she is roused by a knock at the door, finding Abby there, now free to embrace Jesse without hesitation.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 15:12

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Movies about personal healing like Touchy Feely

Stories of quiet transformation where overcoming a crisis leads to hope.If you enjoyed the quiet, character-driven journey of healing in Touchy Feely, you'll appreciate these other movies. They feature protagonists overcoming internal struggles in a bittersweet, hopeful manner, focusing on personal transformation and the delicate process of reconnecting with life and others.

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These narratives typically begin with a character experiencing a sudden or deep-seated personal disruption. The story follows their internal struggle and gradual steps toward healing, often aided by unexpected circumstances or relationships. The resolution is not about a complete victory but a meaningful, hard-won change that allows for a happier, more integrated life.

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These films are grouped together because they share a specific emotional arc: starting from a place of personal crisis and moving toward a hopeful, but realistically earned, resolution. They prioritize character depth over plot mechanics and maintain a consistent, bittersweet tone that feels authentic to the healing process.

Movies about family dynamics like Touchy Feely

Explorations of how small, personal changes ripple through family relationships.For viewers who liked the exploration of brother-sister relationships and intimate family dynamics in Touchy Feely, this list features similar films. These dramas center on how personal growth and transformation affect family bonds, offering quiet, thoughtful stories about connection and understanding.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves parallel character arcs within a family unit. One person's struggle or breakthrough inadvertently impacts the others, creating a web of interconnected growth. The story unfolds through quiet conversations and shared moments, building towards a resolution that strengthens or redefines the family ties.

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These films are connected by their central theme of family as a microcosm for change. They share a low-key intensity, an intimate scope, and a contemplative pace that allows the audience to sit with the characters and feel the nuanced evolution of their relationships.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Touchy Feely

Touchy Feely Spoiler-Free Summary

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