A DIFFERENT MAN (2024)

Genre: Drama
Director: Aaron Schimberg
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson, Miles G. Jackson, Patrick Wang, Neal Davidson
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins
Rating: M18 (Sexual Scenes)
Released By: UIP
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 10 October 2024

Synopsis: Aspiring actor Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play and becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost.

Movie Review:

Maybe it’s not such a bad thing that Sebastian Stan isn’t the main guy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Known for his role as Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier, whom many regard as second fiddle to his on screen buddy Steve Rogers aka Captain America (played Chris Evans), the Romanian American actor has managed to prove himself to be quite an actor. He pulled off a menacingly absurd performance in I, Tonya (2017), played morally corrupt lawman that left a deep impression despite a limited screen time in The Devil All The Time (2020), and was perfectly cast as a charismatic sociopath in Fresh (2022).

In this black comedy written and directed by Aaron Schimberg, Stan delivers yet another standout performance that may the best we have seen from the 42 year old actor. He plays Edward, a man with neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that left him with a disfigured face. It turns out that Edward is an actor, and one can only imagine how challenging it is for Edward to get jobs. And of course, it isn’t just showbiz that’s cruel to Edward – the loner gets alienated by the world around him as well.

So when Ingrid (Renate Reinsve), a new neighbour who moves in to the unit next door, displays kindness to the otherwise socially isolated Edward, he begins opening up. The plot then sees Edward receiving an experimental medical treatment that transforms him into a charming man (who looks like Sebastian Stan!), and he decides to take on a new identity of a man named Guy. He informs people that Edward has committed suicide, and the next thing we know, we see Guy living the dream life as a successful real estate agent, having no problems getting the girl, and being envied by people around him.

We won’t say what happens next in the 112 minute movie, because it is going to be a riveting experience as you follow Guy in his new skin, as he connects with Ingrid again. Along the way, another man with neurofibromatosis named Oswald shows up, and things get dramatically twisted. What’s interesting here is that Oswald is played by Adam Pearson, a British actor (Under the Skin) with neurofibromatosis who has been involved in outreach programmes to prevent bullying associated with deformities.

There were several moments during the movie, especially when there are close up shots of Edward (that’d be Stan in makeup) and Pearson, when we pondered whether the filmmakers are being exploitative of what may make some viewers uneasy. There is much to discuss here, considering where to draw the line in the name of telling a good story and the role of ethics when it comes to creating shock value. There is no easy answer, but we feel that this movie has done a fine job in striking that balance.

It is also notable that Stan serves as executive producer together with Schimberg on this highly recommended movie, suggesting that it is a project that he truly feels for. That probably explains his mesmerising performance that changes from being psychologically secluded and vulnerable to being charmingly confident. It doesn’t stop there, as the character becomes insecure and increasingly obsessed after a series of incidents, and Stan’s portrayal of a character whose inner world changes due to an external transformation is spot on. He was recognised with the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, and we would love to see him receiving more awards for his compelling display of talent.

Movie Rating:

(Featuring a compelling performance by Sebastian Stan, this emotionally abosorbing and boldly told story questions how external transformations can impact the soul)

Review by John Li