‘A Different Man’ (2024)

A black comedy and psychological thriller ‘A Different Man’ follows Edward (Sebastian Stan) a man living with neurofibromatosis, his face covered with non-cancerous tumours. Awkward and nervous, Edward befriends his new neighbour Ingrid (Renate Reinsve) an aspiring playwright. Choosing to undergo an experimental procedure, Edward transforms into a conventionally attractive man, leaving his former life behind.

Unfolding slowly, the film presents Edward as a closed off and isolated person. Fearing ridicule and seemingly unwilling to venture outside, Edward is taken aback as Ingrid shows interest in him. Without undue heavy handedness in conveying Edward’s unease and the reaction he generates from people around him, the film finds a painfully unpleasant yet humorous way of presenting the life Edward leads.

A transformative performance from Sebastian Stan in more ways than one, the actor fully embraces Edward. As someone who has suffered loneliness and crippled by his own fear of those around him, Stan expresses the anxiety and dread Edward feels even after his condition has been eliminated. Examining Edward’s wish for a different life, the protagonist soon learns that his appearance is not the singular source of his plight. Rather using his condition almost as an excuse, Stan’s Edward realizes that it is his attitude towards life and those around him that needs to transform in order to produce a genuine change in his life.

After the transformation and Edward telling everyone ‘Edward’ has died, he adopts a new persona Guy Moratz, moves away and becomes a successful realtor. Ingrid writes a play based on her time with Edward, which Edward/Guy auditions for, gets the role and uses a cast of his former face in order to perform.

Reinsve’s Ingrid initially amicable and forthcoming, transforms over time and develops into a less than favorable persona. Allegedly basing the play on her time with Edward, Guy notices discrepancies as the story portrays him as a victim. Challenging the position, Ingrid dismisses those concerns and proceeds to use Edward as a vehicle for conveying her experience rather than focusing on his.

A surprising turn of events places Oswald (Adam Pearson) a man with neurofibromatosis in Ingrid’s theater, with him expressing interest in the play. Over time, Edward grows increasingly dismayed by Oswald. Seeing how Oswald’s condition has not impacted his confidence, Edward grows resentful and fears he may be replaced by him.

Eventually completely ousted, ‘A Different Man’ reaches the apex of its moral message by displaying Stan’s Edward as a pessimistic curmudgeon. Learning that his appearance was not the issue, Edward suffers at his own hand as he watches himself be replaced by a more positive and charismatic version of himself. Struggling with the situation, Edward lashes out and attacks Oswald on stage, resulting in part of the set falling on him causing him to break his arms and legs. Further frustrated, Edward stabs his physical therapist and is imprisoned.

Having crafted an unusual yet poignant story about disability, writer and director Aaron Schimberg presents at times a quirky and ironic story about identity. Exploring the darker side of living with a serious condition, Schimberg contrasts a dire outlook with a positive one. Causing Edward to resort to spite and anger when everything is taken from him by a more appreciative and confident version of himself, the film dives deep into what it means to know oneself.

Perhaps playing out a little like an episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’, ‘A Different Man’ can be seen as a cautionary tale for those who seek external transformation prior to looking inward. Reaching out to grab at what you think you want and need may not be the ultimate salvation to satisfy psychological strife.

Asking one to ruminate on what they aspire to be, ‘A Different Man’ invites the viewers to seek internal resolution without considering external factors, conditions and disabilities. Hammering home that confidence and joy stem from within, the film resonates as we watch Pearson’s Oswald flourish, charming everyone around him.

Score: 3/4