Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Released 09-20-2024
Watched 02-21-2025
Reviewed 02-22-2025
Watched on MAX
"The right thing to do is for you to take the role, and you still get to play Edward, Guy, just transformed. And you don't have to hide your face behind that idiotic thing! You- you get more recognition."
A Different Man is yet another entry in the “love yourself as you are” genre, tackling themes of identity, transformation, and self-acceptance with a surrealist twist. Directed by Aaron Schimberg and starring Sebastian Stan, the film follows Edward, a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes an experimental treatment to alter his appearance, only to find his new life colliding with his old one in unexpected ways.
At its core, A Different Man is a darkly comedic yet contemplative take on the dangers of self-rejection and the consequences of altering one’s outward identity. The film takes a psychological and slightly absurdist approach, making it feel like a companion piece to Substance (2024), which also explored themes of bodily transformation and its impact on self-worth. While A Different Man never reaches the same heights of existential horror, it similarly asks its audience to consider the lengths one might go to in pursuit of societal acceptance.
Sebastian Stan’s performance as Edward is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. His portrayal of a man grappling with his self-image is layered and engaging, blending moments of awkwardness, desperation, and dark humor. His efforts were recognized with a Golden Globe win for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, and while the film itself may not be a standout, his performance is deserving of the praise. Supporting performances from Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson (who has neurofibromatosis in real life) add authenticity and depth to the film. Pearson’s presence, in particular, serves as a powerful counterpoint to Edward’s journey, reinforcing the idea that identity is more than skin deep.
The film’s central premise is intriguing, but the execution wavers. Schimberg’s screenplay and direction lean into discomfort and dark humor, which sometimes work in the film’s favor but occasionally come across as tonally inconsistent. There are moments where the film seems unsure of whether it wants to be a surreal satire or a deeply emotional character study, resulting in an experience that feels fragmented.
Visually, the film’s use of prosthetics and makeup, earning it an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, is impressive. The transformation sequences and subtle shifts in Edward’s appearance reinforce the film’s themes, though they aren’t quite as disturbing or memorable as other films in the genre.
While A Different Man offers a compelling performance from Sebastian Stan and a unique twist on the self-acceptance narrative, it ultimately falls into familiar territory. It’s an interesting watch but doesn’t quite break new ground, leaving it as a decent but unremarkable entry in this type of psychological drama. Fans of introspective, offbeat films may find value in it, but for general audiences, it might feel like a retread of ideas explored more effectively elsewhere.
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