A Different Man (USA, 2024)
How much do our external appearances affect our internal selves? Would our personality change if we underwent drastic physical transformations? A Different Man explores these questions through Edward (played by Sebastian Stan), an actor with neurofibromatosis, who undergoes facial reconstructive surgery to escape the isolation caused by his deformities. After the surgery, he starts a new life, adopts the name Guy, and enjoys success until he discovers that his former neighbor is staging a play based on his pre-surgery life, prompting him to question whether he has truly found fulfillment after the surgery.
Aided by spectacular makeup work, Sebastian Stan portrays Edward as shy and needy. The film early on subtly hints at his darker tendencies, such as staring too long at a street performer trying to break their composure. Frustrated by being typecast in roles that depict disability and quick to blame all his struggles on his condition, Edward eagerly jumps at the chance for surgery, believing it will lead to a better life.
However, he quickly learns that looking better doesn’t guarantee happiness. While he gains a better job, a nicer apartment, and friendships, he struggles to be happy. This is where Oswald (played by Adam Pearson), an actor with the same condition, enters the picture. Oswald has embraced his identity and seems to have everything Edward wants: confidence, love, and human connection.
While the film raises important questions, it doesn’t delve deeply enough into its character drama. The tone feels uncertain, starting with the suggestion of a mystery thriller but abandoning that after the surgery, which leaves the third act lacking the needed intensity. As a drama, the transition from Edward to Guy occurs mostly off-screen, undermining its effectiveness as a character study.
Despite these issues, the film is engaging, with Stan effectively portraying an unlikable character. Renate Reinsve as the neighbor adds an interesting dynamic, showing no regret for drawing inspiration from her interactions with Edward. Her affection for Edward and later Oswald raises questions about whether it’s genuine or exploitative.
While the film maintains its ambiguous and engaging themes, it could have been more impactful had it fully embraced its eccentricities and delivered a third act akin to The Substance. The makeup effects are impressive, and the score composed by Umberto Smerilli elevates the film. Ultimately, A Different Man is a fairly good movie, though it falls a bit short of being a great one.