Aaron Schimberg’s “A Different Man” (2024) is an honest look into the lives of two different men who suffer from the same genetic disorder. However, they each live out their lives in very different ways — one who despises his appearance and the other who lives with it and doesn’t care what others think of him.
The former is a man named Edward Lemuel (Sebastian Stan), who is a struggling actor who befriends his next-door neighbor and aspiring playwright Ingrid Vold (Renate Reinsve).
Edward is sexually attracted to Ingrid but is too nervous to express his feelings to her. Meanwhile, Edward receives an experimental medical treatment from his doctor, and over time, he is cured of his condition. He then chooses the identity of “Guy Moratz” and claims Edward committed suicide when anyone asks about his whereabouts.
Now living as “Guy,” Edward eventually becomes a successful real estate agent. One day, he discovers that Ingrid is producing an off-broadway play titled “Edward,” a play she wrote based on his life when she met him. Edward auditions for the lead role and lands it. Soon after, Edward and Ingrid begin to have a relationship.
During a scene rehearsal, a man named Oswald (Adam Pearson) interrupts and tells them of his interest in being in the play. He too has the same condition Edward had — neurofibromatosis. Ingrid immediately has a curiosity about Oswald. Oswald meets the cast and crew of “Edward” and the real Edward becomes more and more annoyed by his demeanor.
Ingrid and Oswald become close, and after Edward fails to memorize his lines on numerous occasions, Ingrid decides to cast Oswald in the lead instead. This angers Edward, as the role he has always wanted is taken away from him.
“A Different Man” is one of the most original films of the year. It was made by a director who had only made a few other movies beforehand, and only one of its cast members has the privilege of being labeled as an “A-list” actor.
Stan does a phenomenal job playing Edward. The audience senses that even after he is cured of his neurofibromatosis, he still is a man who longs to be recognized for who he is.
Edward living as “Guy” was not a bad life, but it did not bring him any true joy in his identity. Oswald comes along, and he is a man who has no shame about how he looks which frustrates Edward.
Not only does Oswald not care about how people will react to his face, but his charismatic personality and confidence are what makes him appealing to others like Ingrid. Before his transformation into “Guy,” Edward was too shy and uncomfortable in his skin for others to latch on to him.
Stan’s co-star Pearson does a fabulous job playing Oswald. Pearson is mainly known for being in Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin” (2013). In that film, he’s not given enough material to show viewers he has a lot to bring to the table, but with “A Different Man,” he’s given that opportunity.
Pearson is so likable as Oswald it makes for the perfect counter to Stan’s Edward. They fit the “two sides of the same coin” idea incredibly well.
Other than their performances, the film also excels in its musical score and soundtrack compiled by Umberto Smerilli. The main theme of the film fits very well with the tone and themes in general.
“A Different Man” is a solid film tackling a wonderful message about acceptance of oneself. It features great performances, a pretty killer soundtrack and is currently playing in select theaters.
Rating: 3.5/5
