Review: Gently affecting ‘Keep in Touch’ is lifted by Ryan Patrick Bachand’s lead performance and songs by Gabbi McPhee

In his feature debut, director and cowriter Sam Kretchmar explores the far-reaching tentacles of grief and their many manifestations in the music-inflected drama “Keep in Touch.”

Ryan Patrick Bachand stars as Colin, a man rebuilding his life after a crisis who discovers that his first love died tragically many years ago. When he tracks down her sister, folk singer-songwriter Jessie (musician Gabbi McPhee), a relationship blossoms, though he can’t bring himself to confess their shared past.

“Keep in Touch” is anchored by the soulful performance of Bachand. Humbled by a brush with the law and loss of his cushy job and enterprising fiancee, Colin is fumblingly trying to organize the things in his life that matter most. He finds a new sense of self and satisfaction working at a nursery owned by his prickly cousin Brad (cowriter Michael Angelo Covino). He listens to self-help lectures by a motivational speaker played by Reggie Watts, though it’s unclear if they’re having any influence.

Colin’s relationship with flighty Jessie keeps him on his toes and inspires some erratic behavior on his part as it hurtles toward its collision with the unavoidable truth.

The gently affecting “Keep in Touch” extends its stay a bit too long, stretching the story where it could have been more efficient. But it’s a fine showcase for McPhee’s lovely songs, Bachand’s lead performance, and the assured direction of Kretchmar.

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‘Keep in Touch’

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Playing: Opens Nov. 8, Downtown Independent, Los Angeles

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