What Is Touchy Feely About?
The premise of Touchy Feely in 277 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a modest suburb where a family dental office sits between quiet streets and bustling cafés, the world feels both familiar and oddly poised for quiet miracles. Paul runs the practice with a mix of stubborn tradition and a lingering fear of change, his days measured by the steady rhythm of chairs turning and drills humming. Across the hallway of his life, his sister Abby spends her hours coaxing tension from muscles as a massage therapist, yet an unexplainable aversion to physical contact has begun to shadow every session she offers.
When a routine appointment reveals that Paul can ease a patient’s deep‑seated jaw pain with a simple, almost intuitive touch, a ripple of curiosity spreads through the clinic. The discovery hints at a hidden well of empathy that could transform his struggling business, prompting him to explore practices beyond the conventional—anything that might amplify this newfound gift without compromising his modest world.
For Abby, the resistance to touch is more than a professional inconvenience; it is a personal barricade that distances her from loved ones, especially her boyfriend Jesse, whose affection she can no longer comfortably return. Her internal struggle turns everyday interactions into a delicate dance, and she finds herself searching for ways to reconnect without violating the boundary that has taken hold of her senses.
Together, the siblings stand on opposite sides of an invisible line: one eager to expand the reach of his healing hands, the other hesitant to let anyone near hers. Their divergent approaches to comfort, intimacy, and the quiet art of caring set the stage for a poignant exploration of how we touch—and are touched—by the people closest to us.
What Happens in Touchy Feely?
The complete story of Touchy Feely, from the first scene to the last, in 347 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Touchy Feely Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Abby's Aversion Begins” to “Abby's Return”. 7 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Abby's Aversion Begins
Abby starts experiencing an unsettling aversion to human contact, which significantly affects her professional life as a massage therapist. This sudden change drives her to take a break from her job, leaving her emotionally distressed and uncertain.
- 2
Relationship Strain with Jesse
As Abby struggles with her aversion, her relationship with her boyfriend Jesse suffers greatly. The lack of physical connection creates tension and misunderstandings between the couple, leading to feelings of isolation.
- 3
Experimenting with Ecstasy
In an effort to rekindle their intimacy, Abby suggests that she and Jesse try ecstasy pills she acquires from Bronwyn. However, this risky decision does not yield the results they hope for and ultimately leads to their breakup.
- 4
Paul's Struggles at Work
Meanwhile, Abby's brother Paul is facing his own challenges as he runs a struggling family dentistry practice. He is unable to attract new clients and is hesitant to employ any marketing strategies to boost his business.
- 5
Jenny Invites Henry
Paul's daughter Jenny invites her friend Henry for a routine teeth cleaning, which initially raises Paul's disinterest. However, after helping Henry with his jaw pain, Paul finds himself drawing in more patients, intrigued by the unique healing service he provides.
Where:Paul's dental office
- 6
Learning Reiki
Motivated by his newfound clientele, Paul approaches Bronwyn to learn Reiki, aiming to expand his dental practice's offerings. His excitement over the growth is short-lived, as the pressures of success begin to mount.
- 7
Patient Collapse
In a shocking turn of events, a disgruntled patient collapses in Paul's waiting room, leading to a wave of doubt regarding his abilities. The incident not only harms his reputation but also deeply affects his daughter's view of his profession.
Where:Paul's dental office
- 8
Jenny's Emotional Turmoil
Witnessing her father’s struggles and the chaos surrounding his practice, Jenny reacts emotionally and runs out of the office in tears. She is overwhelmed by the pressure and disappointment she feels in her family's situation.
Where:Paul's dental office
- 9
Abby Moves On
As her relationship with Jesse deteriorates, Abby decides to leave him, writing a breakup note in the process. She moves in with her brother Paul in search of solace and healing.
- 10
Meeting Adrian
While under the influence of ecstasy, Abby takes a walk in the park and serendipitously meets Adrian. He introduces her to a new lifestyle that helps eliminate her aversion to physical touch, emblematic of her new beginning.
Where:Park
Show the other 5 events of Touchy Feely Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Paul Consumes Ecstasy
Amidst the chaos, Paul discovers a leftover ecstasy tablet and, out of curiosity, decides to take it. This decision leads him to Bronwyn's home, where an unexpected connection ignites between them.
Where:Bronwyn's home
- 12
Paul and Bronwyn's Kiss
At Bronwyn's abode, the chemistry between Paul and Bronwyn intensifies, culminating in a passionate kiss. This moment signifies a turning point for Paul, revealing possibilities for new relationships.
Where:Bronwyn's home
- 13
Jenny Seeks Comfort
As Abby emotionally distances herself from Jesse, Jenny turns to her ex-boyfriend for comfort. She persuades him to attend Henry's music concert, hoping to distract herself from the turmoil at home.
- 14
Jesse's Reassurance
During the concert, Jesse gently declines Jenny’s request for a kiss, reaffirming his feelings for Abby. He expresses lingering affection, showcasing the emotional complexity of the relationships involved.
- 15
Abby's Return
Later that night, after Jenny has fallen asleep at Jesse's place, Abby shows up at the door. Now emotionally unburdened, she is ready to embrace Jesse without the hesitation that once plagued their relationship.
Where:Jesse's home
Who Are the Main Characters in Touchy Feely?
4 characters, among them Abby, Jesse and Paul: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- A
Abby
Abby is a massage therapist grappling with an unsettling aversion to human contact that strains her relationship with Jesse. Initially seeking to maintain closeness, her journey reflects a quest for self-discovery and healing. Her character embodies the struggle between emotional vulnerability and the fear of intimacy.
- 💆♀️ Therapist
- ❤️ Love Struggles
- J
Jesse
Jesse is Abby's boyfriend who finds himself increasingly distanced as Abby's aversion to touch takes a toll on their relationship. He embodies the pain of unreciprocated love, showing willingness to engage emotionally, but ultimately faces rejection. His character reflects the longing for connection amidst growing separation.
- 💔 Heartbroken
- 🙁 Despair
- P
Paul
Paul, Abby's brother, navigates the struggles of running a family dentistry practice while facing personal challenges. His journey of self-discovery unfolds as he seeks to enhance his skills and eventually finds unexpected romantic interest with Bronwyn. His character represents resilience and the pursuit of professional fulfillment.
- 🦷 Dentist
- 🌟 Growth
- J
Jenny
Jenny is Paul’s daughter who witnesses her father's difficulties and seeks comfort in her relationships. Her emotional arc is defined by her attempts to connect with her friends and deal with the fallout from her family's struggles. Jenny's journey illustrates the impact of familial challenges on youth.
- 👧 Daughter
- 🎶 Music Lover
Where and When Is Touchy Feely Set?
Touchy Feely is set in Park. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern relationship dynamics and the challenges of emotional and physical intimacy. It captures the complexities of navigating love and personal growth in today's world.
Where
Park
The park serves as a significant setting for Abby's journey towards overcoming her aversion to physical touch. It symbolizes a space of freedom and connection, contrasting with the emotional distance she feels in her relationship with Jesse. Parks are often known for their tranquility and the opportunity for introspection.
- 🌳 Nature
- 🏙️ Urban
What Are the Themes of Touchy Feely?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Emotional Distance and Escapism.
-
01
Emotional Distance
The theme of emotional distance is central to Abby and Jesse's relationship. Their bond deteriorates due to Abby's aversion to human contact, leading to a breakup and self-exploration. This theme reflects on how personal struggles can impact romantic connections and the pursuit of intimacy.
-
02
Escapism
The use of ecstasy pills highlights the theme of escapism in the film. Characters seek to escape their emotional pain and relationship challenges through substances. This action ultimately complicates their situations and illustrates the conflicting nature of seeking relief.
What Kind of Film Is Touchy Feely?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A quietly contemplative and character-driven drama that explores the complexities of human touch and connection, moving from personal crisis towards gentle, hopeful resolution.
- introspective
- melancholic
- hopeful
- intimate
- serene
- yearning
- family dynamics
- healing
- phobia
- personal transformation
Quiz
How well do you remember Touchy Feely? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Touchy Feely
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and DistroTV, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 9
Amazon Prime Video 
Amazon Prime Video with Ads 
DistroTV 
Fandango at Home Free 
Hoopla 
Kanopy 
The Roku Channel 
Tubi TV 
YouTube Free 
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