Trailer – Watch the official trailer for 'FAMILIAR TOUCH', a 2026 coming-of-old-age drama written and directed by Sarah Friedland.
Released in select UK and Irish cinemas from 19 June via Bulldog Film Distribution, 'FAMILIAR TOUCH' follows Ruth Goldman, an older woman with dementia, as she transitions into assisted living and navigates shifting memory, identity and desire.
The film won three awards at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, including Best Director, Best Debut Film and Best Actress. Sarah Friedland also received the Someone To Watch Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
📍 Written & Directed by: Sarah Friedland
📍 Produced by: Alexandra Byer, Sarah Friedland and Matthew Thurm
📍 Distributor: Bulldog Film Distribution
📍 Genre: Drama / Coming-Of-Old-Age Drama
📍 Runtime: 90 minutes
📍 Certificate: 12A
📍 Release Date: 19 June 2026 – Select UK and Irish cinemas
📍 Starring: Kathleen Chalfant, Carolyn Michelle, Andy McQueen and H. Jon Benjamin
🎬 Synopsis: Ruth Goldman, an older woman with dementia, leaves her home for a date. What she thinks is a hotel turns out to be an assisted living facility, where she must contend with new faces, routines and surroundings as her own identities and desires shift.
While Ruth resists identifying with her ageing neighbours, she connects with the care workers and is drawn towards her son, whom she mistakes for a suitor.
A former cook, Ruth finds agency preparing meals in the facility kitchen. But when the reality of her situation sinks in, she feels betrayed and flees the facility in search of something familiar.
🎞️ Watch the trailer
