Is The Touch Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Touch is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 115 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Touch Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1971, The Touch emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A Swedish housewife begins an adulterous affair with an American archaeologist, unaware of his emotional scars as a Holocaust survivor; consequently, their relationship will be painfully difficult. Unlike standard genre fare, The Touch attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Touch features a noteworthy lineup led by Elliott Gould . Supported by the likes of Bibi Andersson and Max von Sydow , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Touch (1971) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Touch Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Touch is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Touch Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Touch attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Touch reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Touch?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Touch Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.9M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Touch Budget
The estimated production budget for The Touch is $6.9M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Touch
- Elliott Gould – David Kovac
- Bibi Andersson – Karin Vergerus
- Max von Sydow – Andreas Vergerus
- Sheila Reid – Sara Kovac
- Margaretha Byström – Secretary to Andreas Vergerus
Top Highlights
Elliott GouldDavid Kovac
Bibi AnderssonKarin Vergerus
Max von SydowAndreas Vergerus
Sheila ReidSara Kovac
Margaretha ByströmSecretary to Andreas Vergerus
Elsa Ebbesen-ThornbladHospital Matron
Barbro Hiort af OrnäsKarin's Mother
Åke LindströmDr. Holm
Aino Taube
Mimmo WåhlanderNurse
Where to Watch The Touch Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Touch has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Drama, Romance), it contains romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Touch stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1971 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Touch movie hit or flop?
The Touch has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Touch worth watching?
The Touch is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Touch online?
The Touch is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel depending on your region.
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How The Touch Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Touch
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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