Movie Review: ‘A Different Man’

Sebastian Stan stars in the new film from writer/director Aaron Schimberg, which sees a man undergoing facial surgery and a crisis in confidence.

Sebastian Stan in 'A Different Man'. Photo: A24.

Opening in theaters on September 20th, ‘A Different Man’ is the latest movie to see Sebastian Stan stretching himself to play a complicated, interesting character. And while his is the marquee role, he gets huge support from co-stars Adam Pearson and Renate Reinsve.

While not everything about the movie works, it’s a funny, subversive and often surreal look at one man’s struggle both before and after his face changes completely.

Does ‘A Different Man’ hit differently?

(L to R) Adam Pearson and Sebastian Stan in 'A Different Man'. Photo: A24.

Writer/director Adam Schimberg often riffs on identity and the mental issues surrounding it –– his previous movie, 2018’s ‘Chained for Life’ saw an actor struggling to connect with her co-star, who has neurofibromatosis type 1 (and is played by Adam Pearson, who returns to collaborate again here).

In ‘A Different Man’, he takes a different, fresh approach to the concept, introducing us to the shy, somewhat awkward but still charismatic Edward (Sebastian Stan in some remarkable prosthetics). He’s a wannabe actor who struggles with some aspects of his life, but seemingly never lets his facial condition get in his way. But when he’s offered a life-changing serum that purports to heal his face, he takes it –– and the results are indeed revolutionary (mostly because he now looks like we all expect Sebastian Stan to look). But what Schimberg cannily gets at is Edward’s true heart –– even with his biggest challenge removed, he finds it tough to fit in and make connections, his “new” face turning him into a much shallower man.

Script and Direction

(L to R) Adam Pearson and director Aaron Schimberg on the set of 'A Different Man'. Photo: A24.

Schimberg has a particular style of writing that recalls some early Woody Allen in its neurotic comedy, but here he’s also employing a more surreal touch along the lines of David Cronenberg. While Edward’s condition is not treated as horrifying in anyway, his New York apartment and his life in the city certainly can be, with a giant leak in the ceiling and random people screaming at him.

Yet his focus is truly on Edward as a man and the people around him, with Pearson in particular portraying a character who has no issues making a life, in contrast to our protagonist.

Though Schimberg as both writer and director can sometimes indulge himself in comedy bits that add little to the ongoing narrative, he’s found a truly compelling story here and brings it to the screen with scruffy panache.

Performances

There are three main performances drawing notice in the movie, but also a rich bank of ensemble support.

Sebastian Stan as Edward

(L to R) Adam Pearson and Sebastian Stan in 'A Different Man'. Photo: A24.

We’re clearly in the era of Stan looking to push himself after years of supporting roles in Marvel movies and other projects. This year alone will see him play Donald Trump and also the sensitively handed, well-rounded character of Edward.

With excellent prosthetics work by Mike Marino, we first meet Edward slightly shuffling through life –– he’s friendly helpful and wants to be an actor, but the role gives Stan so many different sides to play, and he makes them all work. His chemistry with both of his main co-stars is also excellent, and when the movie takes on a more comically intense feel later on, he’s just as adept at selling that.

An actor working with prosthetics is sometimes seen as an awards grab, but there is much more subtle work on display here, and we’d be surprised if Stan isn’t at least nominated for several trophies off the back of this role.

Adam Pearson as Oswald

Adam Pearson in 'A Different Man'. Photo: A24.

Director Aaron Schimberg has said that, after working with Pearson on ‘Chained for Life’ where the disability rights campaigner played a very shy man dealing with his facial features, he wanted to work with him on a character more like the outgoing person in real life. And indeed Oswald is breath of fresh air when he arrives into the film, treated without nodding to his condition, and played by Pearson with full charisma.

It’s not hyperbole to say that Pearson’s performance is worthy of a supporting actor Oscar nomination.

Renate Reinsve as Ingrid

(L to R) Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan in 'A Different Man'. Photo: A24.

Playing the wannabe playwright who first encounters Edwards as a neighbor and quickly forms a bond with him, Reinsve is a complicated delight, another fully rounded character who evolves as the story moves along. Initially she’s like a caring tornado in our hero’s life, but that soon changes when he undergoes his medical procedure, and she no longer recognizes him. But far from being a dream girl, Ingrid has her own issues, and Reinsve can handle them all.

Supporting cast

Schimberg fills out this world with a variety of characters, from the kooky (including Malachi Weir as Dr. Flexner, who developed the drug that helps Edward) to the more straightforward, including the gruff but kind handyman Ollie (Billy Griffith) who works in Edward’s building.

Final Thoughts

(L to R) Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve and Adam Pearson in 'A Different Man'. Photo: A24.

Schimberg’s latest is far more than just a handsome actor acting through prosthetics –– it’s a complicated, well though-out and sometimes odd story of a man struggling to find himself.

Yes, some of the wilder comedy moments occasionally detract from the overall tone, but several of them hit, and the film around them is thoughtful and well-conceived enough that it never struggles. This is accomplished, witty work, and a different film from what you might be expecting.

‘A Different Man’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.

A Different Man

R1 hr 52 minOct 4th, 2024

Showtimes & Tickets

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What’s the plot of ‘A Different Man’?

Aspiring actor Edward (Sebastian Stan) 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.