Year: 2013
Runtime: 89 min
Language: English
Director: Lynn Shelton
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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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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