Touch Me
In tone and theme, Addison Heimann’s “Touch Me” has nothing in common with Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin,” but that’s the movie that came to mind most while watching this wild dark comedy. Intimacy and aliens has a sordid history in science fiction; Heimann is pulling from a particular vein of alien sex that is known as hentai. That he manages to make this a delightful and very entertaining film is a credits to his work as a film.
The film begins after Joey (Olivia Taylor Dudley) has already had her first taste of alien intimacy with Brian (Lou Taylor Pucci), who has a beard, wears tracksuits, and practices yoga at a home in the hills. Joey is talking to therapist about Brian, and the rush he provided. The sex was unreal, but the rest of her life has her struggling. When a drain backup in the shower makes living in the apartment she shares with her friend, Craig (Jordan Gavaris), impossible, the pair go to stay with Brian. It is Craig’s first interaction with Brian and her housekeeper, Laura (Marlene Forte). Suddenly, Craig finds himself intoxicated by what Brian has to offer, as well, but the longer they stay, the more they realize that there might be a price to the love that Brian offers.
Heimann does a really good job of establishing tone in “Touch Me,” allowing the violence and sex- when it’s seen- to be shocking without really giving into to viciousness and darkness. What’s dark is the humor in this film; this takes on the form of a twisted rom com while also maintaining its horror trappings. The effects, when they do happen, are terrific, and this makes its way into being an enjoyable film without being bleak or nihilistic. The performances by the quartet of leads- Forte must also be mentioned, as she is important to the plot- find all the right notes of seriousness and humor rooted in character. “Touch Me” is about connections, about how some people manipulate the truth for their own purposes, and how people combat those manipulations. Early on in the film, I wasn’t quite sure if I would vibe with “Touch Me,” but I was completely on board with Heimann’s vision by the time it ended. Weird premise, but very strong execution, and just the right ending to leave us on a positive note as the credits begin to roll on this wild ride.
