Writer-director Aaron Schimberg’s third and latest film, A Different Man, premiered at Sundance last night. A surreal, singular tale of one man’s desire to self-actualize, Edward, played by Sebastian Stan (Pam & Tommy, Avengers: Infinity War), is overcome by the reality of his disfigured appearance and his intent on changing it to further his acting career. After undergoing a drastic medical procedure, 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. Actress Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World), who plays Edward’s neighbor, says it was her first English-speaking part, and she was “stunned” by the script—“it’s heart and weirdness.” British actor Adam Pearson (who has neurofibromatosis, a physical deformity), portrays Oswald, a successful, endearing man who comes face-to-face with Edward, who ultimately becomes obsessed with him. A unique psychological thriller emerges through a haunting score and folkloric magical realism.
