A Different Man
Directed by Aaron SchimbergAspiring actor Edward (Sebastian Stan) undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face turns into a nightmare as he becomes obsessed with reclaiming what he lost.
Cast of A Different Man
A Different Man Ratings & Reviews
- qmechanMarch 6, 2025After surgery, a man's life will change His whole life (plus face), rearranged He flew into a rage seeing his life on stage, and we learn what's not skin-deep is strange.
- VarunNovember 14, 2024A very interesting movie that challenges you with deep questions on identity. It instantly reminded me of The Substance (2024) but I think this movie does a way better job exploring multiple themes. Do our desires really belong solely to us or are they inextricably shaped by society? Where does our self-worth come from? The meta narrative was handled really well. There’s a mix of different genres, I do think the satirical elements were pretty good right up until the end where I felt like the story got a bit silly and rushed but I don’t think it diminished the rest of the film. Edward’s arc for the first half of the film was really well developed, a very empathetic look on his life that validates all his feelings. And the second half of the film is a painful glimpse of his unrealised potential that could’ve been unlocked with an unrelenting confidence in himself but unfortunately the sin of envy is too strong to escape. There’s tons of lessons here on how we should treat ourselves and others. A situation like this could happen to anyone, and this movie reminds us to reflect on our actions and realise what’s really at stake when we give up control of our own impulses and dreams to society.
- RyezooFebruary 3, 2025Great performance by Sebastian Stan. I like the concept of the movie, it’s just hard to get past the fact the neighbor never puts two and two together. Also very unlikable character. The whole thing is just a little on the nose. Worth the watch but it could of been better.
- The Gutter MonkeyFebruary 3, 2025With focus put more on its symbolism and metaphor than its narrative, I found myself appreciating what the film was doing more than enjoying the story it told.
- Jack BlitzJanuary 28, 2025A deeply entertaining story about ego and self-consciousness that is genuinely hilarious. The writing is witty and clever and never fails to surprise you, highlighted by its perfect final line. Sebastian Stan's performance is layered, emotional, and captivating.
- Rob Logan | The Geek GenerationJanuary 19, 2025Really enjoyed most of this, though a few narrative choices left me scratching my head. To be fair, this isn't quite as much about the literal narrative as it is about the classic "grass is always greener" lesson for its protagonist suffering with endless imposter syndrome. Sebastian Stan is once again at the top of his game.
- vangh1December 14, 2024When you think of writing advice for protagonists, they always say the protag should be the driver of the plot, they should know what they want and take steps to get it; a passive protagonist is a weak protagonist. This movie has a protagonist who's unsure of what he wants, who is constantly plagued by self doubt, and whose decision making process is greatly impacted by his perception of others' perceptions of him. And the movie is an absolutely fantastic examination of the character not in spite of this but because of it.
- rg9400November 11, 2024A Different Man is genuinely hard to review. The film is shot in a way that feels like something out of older times, with muted colors and an almost grainy look. The camera will suddenly zoom into a frame with the music swelling for dramatic effect. Even though the plot isn't remotely similar, in some ways it reminds me of American Psycho. And like that movie, this movie has that dreamlike surrealist haze around it, where the reality of everything feels tenuous and interactions seem to almost be fake. Within this framework, we follow Edward, a man with a disfigured face who feels like his circumstances prevent him from living his best life. The movie examines this concept, scrutinizing if his outward appearance is truly to blame. I liked this thematic core, and I think the movie executes well on it. However, that sort of heightened reality cracks my suspension of disbelief a lot in this movie. It works in something like American Psycho because it fits what that movie is trying to do, but in this movie, I need to believe that the changes in circumstances for Edward are genuine; otherwise, the message becomes muddled. That stilted approach gives the movie stylistic flair but prevents me from connecting with the characters and messaging at times. I really like Renate Reinsve, but Sebastian Stan's chemistry and interactions with her always feel a bit off. Maybe all of this is intentional, and it certainly does seem to be emulating older movies that aim to create that uncanny atmosphere. But the purpose eludes me here. Also, her accent cracks through a lot unfortunately, though I do think her acting is solid. With the last shot, the movie is fairly clear in what it is trying to say, but I am not sure if its form supports it. However, all of that said, its style makes for a visually gripping movie reminiscent of a lot of famous older surrealist movies.
- SpoonsNovember 10, 2024In A Different Man, Sebastian Stan plays Edward Lemuel, a struggling New York actor with neurofibromatosis, a condition that heavily affects his facial appearance. Desperate for change, he goes through an experimental procedure to get a new face, emerging as “Guy Moratz” and ditching his old self. As “Guy,” he auditions for a play by his former neighbor Ingrid Vold (played by Renate Reinsve), which just so happens to be based on his life. Landing the lead role, Edward’s fresh start gets complicated when he meets Oswald (Adam Pearson), another actor with neurofibromatosis. Oswald’s natural charisma and self-assuredness throw Edward’s own insecurities into sharp relief, making it clear that his real struggles might be more internal than physical. The film dives into identity, self-perception, and society's take on looks, showing that changing your outside doesn’t magically fix everything inside. Sebastian Stan gives a strong performance, especially during the unsettling transformation scenes, but Adam Pearson’s Oswald steals the show with a vibrant, genuine energy that nails the film’s themes. Visually, it’s got a gritty, 1970s feel that adds to the psychological weight of the story. The film swings through emotions, from funny to unsettling to downright sad, all while poking at how people react to Edward and Oswald in very real ways. It’s not shocking like The Substance, but it’s got that thought-provoking, introspective angle that leaves an impact. In the end, A Different Man isn’t just about a face change—it’s a layered look at identity and acceptance, with echoes of The Elephant Man and The Shape of Water. Perfect for anyone who likes a deep dive into what makes us who we are.
