By: debbie lynn elias
TOUCHY FEELY is by far the most emotionally complex of Lynn Shelton’s films. Delving deeper into structured relationships and scripted story and dialogue structure, TOUCHY FEELY is steeped in a warmth that at times defies description while celebrating human interaction and family dynamics. Known for her typically improved and unscripted films – HUMPDAY and YOUR SISTER’S SISTER – the progression of Shelton’s storytelling skills are clearly enhanced by using a more scripted story. There is a clarity of thought and clear cut character development for each and every character with each actually more fully engaging and intertwining with one another than we have seen in Shelton’s past films – – which I find surprising. Standout is the bit of mystery Shelton develops thanks to the physiological transferences between her main characters, siblings Abby and Paul. Beautifully portrayed are the effects that their physiological changes have on those near and dear to each.
Abby and Paul are the most unlikely of siblings. Abby, a massage therapist, is warm-hearted, understanding and connects with people. Paul, on the other hand, is everything one would expect in a stereotypical cold-fish of a dentist; in fact, the word creepy comes to mind, not to mention, inept. Paul’s daughter Jenny works as his dental assistant and lives at home with him, yet has dreams and aspirations of escaping this hygienically boring world. As if the stars fall out of alignment, suddenly Abby can’t stand to touch anyone of have anyone touch her while Paul, the almost germophobic medical professional is able to lay his hands on patients and seemingly cure long-term physical aches and pains. As Abby and Paul undergo these profound physiologic and psychological changes, their individual paths of self-discovery affect not only each of them, but all those around them.
As Abby, Rosemarie DeWitt is luminous. Delivering what I believe is one of her best and most emotionally satisfying and fulfilling performances, DeWitt’s Abby is carefree, easy-going, loving. Watching Abby go a bit nutso when she suddenly can’t stand to touch skin or be touched is captivating to watch, due not only to DeWitt’s talents but some superb camera work and lensing that exacerbates the newfound repulsion and fear with a visually hallucinogenic slant.
Interesting is the casting of Josh Pais as Abby’s brother Paul. Never would one imagine them as sharing genes! As different as night and day, the sibling play is believable, albeit rather tame. But when it comes to Pais, instead of a film called TOUCHY FEELY, I kept thinking creepy crawly. He comes across as being mentally disabled and pedophile kind of “creepy”; something that makes it more than realistic as his having no dental patients! Yet, when Paul undergoes a spiritual transformation thanks to reiki healer, Bronwyn, Pais blossoms with an adorable and welcoming touch.
Problematic is that you never get a father-daughter vibe between Pais and Ellen Page who plays Paul’s daughter, Jenny. With the opening kitchen scene, one thinks they may be in some sort of May-December romance. The father-daughter element never truly emerges or feels true, even when dialogue finally elicits “Dad”. As for Page, her sweetness and vulnerability is embraceable and heartwarming while Page’s scenes with Tomo Nakayama’s Henry are beyond charming.
And speaking of Tomo Nakayama – what a voice! As Jenny’s friend Henry, and testament to the healing powers of Paul, Nakayama adds an adorable touch that is the perfect complement to Page. A singer unable to sing, thanks to Paul’s healing hands, we are treated to a beautiful song from Nakayama.
Being a film about relationships and the human condition, Shelton excels with the casting of Allison Janney and the creation of Bronwyn. Janney brings a generational wisdom and maternal figure to complete the “familial” picture. Just adore her performance. And her reiki training montage with Pais is beyond funny and entertaining. Rounding out the cast is Scoot McNairy as Abby’s boyfriend Jesse who, actually, just makes your heart melt in his scenes with Page rather than DeWitt. A very reflective and thoughtful performance comes courtesy of Ron Livingston, DeWitt’s real-life husband, as Abby’s former lover who returns home for a trip down memory lane.
Shelton softly sends a message about embracing those you love and the life around you while putting ghosts of the past to rest. The scenes between Ron Livingston and DeWitt are warm and poignant and metaphorically clear the air of Abby’s past as if sage was being burned.
As comes as no surprise, Shelton calls on the talents of Ben Kasulke as her cinematographer. Clean and unfettered. Lighting is light and soft. Abby’s reminiscences are golden hued and warm as are scenes in Bronwyn’s home. And John Lavin, who also worked with Shelton on YOUR SISTER’S SISTER, creates distinctive and symbiotic production design capturing elements of the generations and each character.
TOUCHY FEELY is a warm and fuzzy celebration of Lynn Shelton’s maturing as a filmmaker.
Written and Directed by Lynn Shelton
Cast: Ellen Page, Rosemarie DeWitt, Allison Janney, Josh Pais, Scott McNairy, Tomo Nakayama
