When asked about her life, Joey tells her therapist a story about narcissism, lust, and a sexual encounter she had with an extra terrestrial.
I don’t often encounter films that blindside me, but there’s absolutely nothing that could have prepared me for the wild ride Touch Me took me on. One part science fiction, one part B-film horror, and 100% dark comedy, this film is a fever dream that has to be seen to be believed. Viewers are introduced to Joey, a young woman with minimal job prospects, a bleak outlook on the future, and a codependent room-mate for trauma bonding and drinking with. The film opens up with her speaking to her therapist, who asks her to tell her a story but to embellish it. Joey then tells the story of a man in a tracksuit she met at work, who claims to be an alien. No detail is spared, down to descriptions about his “tentacle appendage”. The tale spirals into one of lust, jealousy, murder, and a potentially world threatening scheme, all wrapped up in a colorful, often hilarious, package.
The movie comes to us from filmmaker Addison Heimann, who both wrote and directed it. This is their second full length outing chasing 2022’s Hypochondriac. Fans of the previous title will be pleased when they spot a reused prop in Touch Me as a nod to Heimann’s humble beginning. Trauma is a crucial centerpiece to Addison’s films, and this latest entry touches down on it with a gentle, albeit over-the-top, approach. With some elements often seen in cartoons, brilliantly executed practical effects, and enough comedy to make you think you’re watching an adult sitcom on HBO, Touch Me is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Creatively speaking, it’s an original piece with enough charisma and charm to keep a viewer hooked for at least a single sitting. Hell, maybe even two, if for nothing other than to confirm that you just saw what you thought you saw.
Olivia Taylor Dudley leads the film as Joey. The role feels right when compared to other films in her resume, including the likes of Dude Bro Party Massacre III and Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls. She sells the nihilistic vibe of a hopeless woman who still clings to life through the antics she shares with her co-dependent roommate, Craig. Played by Jordan Gavaris, of Orphan Black fame, Craig is an equally hopeless gay man who keeps the duo afloat with his parents’ money. Moody, melodramatic, but still quite lovable, Gavaris’ performance is a perfect pairing for Dudley’s and makes their friendship and shared pessimism believable. With a far more out-there approach, we have Brian the bisexual alien and would-be savior for Joey and Craig. Brought to life by a personal favorite of mine, Lou Taylor Pucci, Craig is a bright eyed, physically, animated, and sometimes menacing, embodiment of narcissism. The trio play well off of one another, whether the scene warrants a laugh, some passion, or unbridled fear, the cast all put in the work necessary to pull it off.
Touch Me is a beautifully chaotic fever dream that assaults the viewer’s senses. One minute you’re laughing about the comedic use of a dildo, then you’re experiencing content that creeps up on live-action hentai territory. Emotional tones shift as the movie makes you reflect on trauma, what we’re willing to do to get rid of it, and how the road to ruin is paved with good intentions. Audience members should expect an adult tone, encompassed by lighthearted comedy, and appropriately splashed with a gory amount of horror. It would be difficult to classify this movie under any singular film genre, but dark comedy is the one that comes to mind for when I need to ease a new viewer into this bizarre, thoughtful, and overall entertaining outing. If you can, go into this film blind. No trailer. No review beyond this one. Assuming that the idea of Touch Me intrigues you, I highly suggest that you seek it out immediately.
Touch Me is a new release and can be found on Blu-ray and digital platforms. Touch Me (2025)