Familiar Touch at Luna

Kathleen Chalfant (as Ruth Goldman), in Familiar Touch
Photo Credit: Potential Films

I was lucky enough to preview Familiar Touch by Sarah Friedland before it opened at Luna.

The trailer caught my attention as I have been quite aware of how the circle of loved ones that surround you can change quite suddenly – having lost two loved ones recently – one a relative and one of the furry friend variety.

Familiar Touch explores the life of Ruth Goldman (Kathleen Chalfant), an octogenerian with dementia who moves into assisted living with the help of her son and with her consent – even though at times she forgets the fact that she had agreed to it.

We experience first hand what it might be like to be in the shoes of Ruth – learning to adapt to her new circumstances with her memory loss and of finding her sense of self again.

Interestingly, the film is advertised as a “coming of age” movie, and when I think of coming of age  it conjures up images of a youth transitioning to becoming an adult. But on further reflection, as human beings, we all have many coming of ages and many transitions in life.

The movie portrays much empathy towards the residents in the aged care community – the caregivers are compassionate, kind and engaging with their patients - the residents manage to find uplifting things to laugh about - sharing funny moments and making fun of ordinary life happenings no matter how simple or fleeting.

Actor Kathleen Chalfant’s outstanding performance throughout the movie as Ruth gravitated remarkably between the moments of memory loss of a person with dementia to moments of lucidity - her sharp wit, as demonstrated through her interactions, teasing and exchanges of conversations with her caregiver and her Doctor were beautifully portrayed. As were her recollections as a passionate and fastidious cook in her past career.

Director and writer Sarah Friedland’s debut feature film is a heartwarming and poignant coming of age story.

If you enjoy a gentle and reflective movie, then Familiar Touch will appeal greatly. Gentle as in not having any violence in the movie – but facing the end of life, losing one’s faculties and making decisions about these matters is often not a gentle topic.

Familiar Touch opens at Luna on Thursday 23 October.

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