Dir/Wri: Sarah Friedland. US. 91′
Ruth Goldman (Kathleen Chalfant) enjoys living in her comfortable mid-century styled house in California, but with dementia life has to change. US filmmaker Sarah Friedland draws from her own experience as a care-worker and choreographer in this accomplished debut feature.
Why are people patronised when they grow old, and often referred to in the third person: ‘She’s had a fall”; “does she take sugar” and similar expressions, are often levelled at family members rather than to the individual.
Ruth is a widowed wife, mother and published author. Yet despite physical elegance and accomplishments her increasing state of health means a move to what is euphemistically referred to in the US as an ‘assisted living facility’ where staff regard her with mild and knowing amusement.
Chalfont seems fully aware of her altered state and maintains her sense of purpose. But her efforts to exude authority in her new environment – which she initially regards as an hotel – are often lightly brushed aside in this empathetic look at ageing as experienced through the eyes of a respectable woman who is no longer as capable as she once was. Friedland’s feature deals sensitively with its subject reflecting Ruth’s innate dignity in maintaining a sense of self despite the life-altering condition.
Familiar Touch is probably not the first film you opt for as entertainment but it’s certainly informative and enlightening – and if you’re familiar with the territory- it certainly rings true. Friedland, who won Best First Film at the Orrizonti strand at the 81st VENICE FILM FESTIVAL collaborated with the staff and clients at ‘Villa Gardens’ in California which is one of those specialist retirement homes for female educators.
Chalfont’s graceful performance as a woman keen to maintain her distance with her assigned nurse Vanessa (Carolyn Michelle), has a tragic ring to it. And we all nod in acknowledgement that one day, in the hopefully very distant future, this could possibly be us. @MeredithTaylor
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL 2024 | HORIZONS BEST FIRST FEATURE AWARD