A Different Man
Born with a degenerative disease disfiguring his face, Edward (Sebastian Stan), undergoes a new and life changing procedure that cures him of his condition. So, when aspiring playwright and neighbor, Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), bases her latest off Broadway work on Edward’s disfigured life, the now cured Edward takes a secret fascination with Ingrid and her piece. But, when a confident, gregarious, and similarly uncured and disfigured actor, Oswald (Adam Pearson), enters the picture, Ingrid’s focus changes and poor Edward struggles to keep up; the lesson, careful what you wish for.
Written and Directed by Aaron Schimberg this rough around the edges but cautionary tale centers around a study of confidence, the male ego, and what it is to be visible but invisible in public; definitely conversation material and a spur for discussion in the spirit of a Spike Jonze or Yorgos Lanthimos. A psychological thriller by design with strong performances by the ensemble, and a haunting score by Umberto Smerilli, A Different Man rolls out as a slow burn for it’s hour and fifty-two minute runtime providing plenty of narrative surprises to keep things interesting along the way. Worthy of your time if you’re able to embrace the unusual, A Different Man is rated R.