Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unsettling dark comedy about appearance and identity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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A Different Man
What's the Story?
In A DIFFERENT MAN, Edward (Sebastian Stan) is a struggling actor who has neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that typically leads to the formation of tumors throughout the body. Edward meets his neighbor, aspiring playwright Ingrid Vold (Renate Reinsve), and they seem to hit it off, but Edward is too awkward and insecure to make a real connection. When the opportunity arises to try an experimental medical treatment, he agrees. It works, and Edward suddenly finds himself with a whole new face. He decides to ditch his old identity, claiming that Edward is dead and reinventing himself as "Guy." He becomes a successful real estate agent, but when he spots Ingrid holding auditions for her new play, he can't resist. He lands a part in the play, which is ostensibly about Edward's life. Things take a turn when Oswald (Adam Pearson), a talented and confident man who also has neurofibromatosis, turns up and takes an interest in Guy, in the play, and in Ingrid.
Is It Any Good?
Fearless and empathetic but also darkly, bitterly humorous, this affecting dramedy explores themes of outward appearance and inward value with fresh, bracing vigor. Writer-director Aaron Schimberg previously made Chained for Life with Pearson (who has neurofibromatosis in real life and is a speaker and advocate as well as an actor), which was also about issues of appearance and identity. They continue that conversation in A Different Man. This film uses Pearson as a springboard to tell Edward/Guy's story, demonstrating in no uncertain terms that identity isn't necessarily related to looks. (Several characters read or mention Toni Morrison's novel The Bluest Eye, which has certain themes in common with the movie.)
It's clear that, even with his suddenly granted "good looks," Guy has no idea how to find his happiness within. And it's equally clear that Oswald lives with joy, moving with charm and confidence in the world. (Guy is astonished to find that people react to Oswald with pleasure rather than revulsion.) The movie is clever enough to position Oswald as a threat to Guy's existence, slowly insinuating his way into, and taking over, Guy's former life as Edward. The movie almost devolves into a familiar formula, but Schimberg stays on point, slyly reversing the positions and retaining empathy for everyone involved. A Different Man is a Faustian tale and a cautionary one, but in the end it asserts that beauty isn't about a person's features but rather their actions, attitudes, and behavior.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about A Different Man's violent moments. How did they make you feel? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
What lessons do the characters learn in the film? Do appearances matter in this world? Why, or why not? How did you feel about the way the characters with facial/visible differences were portrayed?
How does the movie promote or spark empathy?
How is sex portrayed? What values are suggested? Is there consent? Trust? Why are these things important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 20, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 5, 2024
- Cast : Sebastian Stan , Renate Reinsve , Adam Pearson
- Director : Aaron Schimberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some violent content
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : January 23, 2025
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