- Release year: 2024
- Director: Aaron Schimberg.
- Producers: Gabriel Mayers, Vanessa McDonnell and Christine Vachon.
- Screenplay by: Aaron Schimberg.
- Cinematography by: Wyatt Garfield.
- Music by: Umberto Smerilli.
Synopsis: a man with neurofibromatosis is healed, giving him the appearance of an average, attractive man. However, he soon realises that his problems had nothing to do with his physical condition.
Shotgun Commentary: body horror turned thriller and borderline ironic comedy.
Review
A Different Man follows Edward (Sebastian Stan), a man with neurofibromatosis who is quite unhappy with his life. He is shy, jumpy and has zero self-esteem. All of which he thinks will be cured if he changes his face. Disclaimer: do not eat while you watch this film. At least, during the first half hour. Advice coming from a person who made the terrible mistake of doing so and could not finish her food thanks to Edward’s lovely metamorphosis into Sebastian Stan. The Substance (2024) who?
Water and oil
The feature has an interesting approach to Edward. Despite his clear displays of PTSD such as looking around constantly or jumping every time a loud noise happens nearby, his past is virtually irrelevant to the story. Thus, the footage focuses on how a person who already comes with huge emotional baggage would react to getting everything they think they’ve ever wanted.
In a careful-what-you-wish-for manner, Edward soon discovers that changing his looks is not as fulfilling as he imagined it to be. A suspicion that grows when he meets Oswald (Adam Pearson). The latter is the polar opposite of Edward, a man who, despite having the same condition as the protagonist, enjoys life to the fullest, never letting anything or anyone get in the way of that.
Still, there is an interesting mention to Oswald’s past that points at a clear class difference which might have played an important role in his life. He mentions making some investments during his time in college, which now allows him to not work. This lifestyle points to a person who comes from a comfortable financial position. Which also means he might have had better chances of a normal life than Edward has. A conscious commentary on class inequality or a random theory of yours truly. Either way, it is interesting to see how the same situation can affect two people so differently.
Threading carefully-ish
The love interest of the story is also a character worth the study. Her name is Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), and she is a playwright and also Edward’s neighbour. Despite her initial friendly demeanour, her attitude is that of a person who always thinks they know best and can’t take it when someone points out otherwise unless it is politically incorrect.
That is, she is the reflection of everyone who fits in the norm and feels uncomfortable in the face of something different. As such, she is positively loathsome at times, but uncomfortably familiar almost as often. She does go to extremes that can only be found in the entertainment sphere, which makes her hilarious in a very cringe way, but Reinsve handles the multitudes of her character effortlessly, making everything work just right.
A strong lead
As for Sebastian Stan, he keeps delivering role after role flawlessly, making anyone who still sees him as just “the Marvel guy” look quite ignorant. Despite being nominated to the Academy Awards for his role in The Apprentice (2024), which is totally understandable, this role might be his best of 2024. Sure, it is not as controversial as playing Agent Orange, especially in light of the recent elections, but it is still a fantastic performance that chills you to the bone while still making you worry about him.
Of course, the full effect of the film wouldn’t have been achieved were it not for the makeup department. Edward’s transformation into Guy (Edward’s fake name after being cured) is probably one of the most revolting and realistic moments in 2024 cinema. With just a touch of surreal mochi-textured skin peeling, the butterfly moment is equal parts disgusting and exciting.
All in all, A Different Man hasn’t had the same attention as big films like The Substance, but it definitely should have. As far as thrillers go, it’s fresh, original, and wonderfully executed. A must-watch for thriller lovers as well as anyone into good cinema who doesn’t mind a bit of snake-skin shedding.
Advice to take from this movie:
- Your dreams might look better than they actually are.
- If you can’t accept yourself, others won’t either.
- Don’t idealise people, they are not perfect, nor should they be.
What’s your take? Have you watched A Different Man? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀