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Familiar Touch (12A)

Parent & Baby Screening

,Cinema 3
An older woman stands in a warm living room, moving to use items placed on the table, while a man stands behind her and watches her with care.

Kathleen Chalfant stars in this coming-of-old-age film about an older woman's transition into assisted living, balancing her shifting memory, identity and desires.

Ruth Goldman (Chalfant), an older woman with dementia, leaves her home for a date. But what she thinks is a hotel turns out to be an assisted living facility, and she must contend with an array of new faces, routines, and surroundings as her own identities and desires evolve.

While Ruth resists identifying with her ageing neighbours, she connects with the facility's care workers (Carolyn Michelle and Andy McQueen) and is drawn towards her son (H Jon Benjamin), whom she mistakes for a suitor.

A former cook, Ruth finds agency preparing meals in the facility kitchen, sliding into younger selves as she embraces the sensory experiences of the community's activities and daily life. But when the reality of her situation sinks in, Ruth feels betrayed and flees the facility in search of something familiar.

Tagged with: Cinema Parent and Baby Screening

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Film information
  • Release year   2026
  • Country of origin   USA
  • Director   Sarah Friedland
  • Runtime   1hr 32mins

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.