A Different Man (2024)
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An actor with a disfiguring facial condition undergoes an experimental procedure to change his face, only to find his new identity creates complex complications.
The story
Edward Lemuel is a socially awkward struggling actor with neurofibromatosis that manifests as a disfiguring facial condition. He befriends his new neighbor Ingrid Vold, an aspiring playwright, but is too nervous to act on his romantic feelings towards her. He secretly undergoes an experimental medical treatment to cure him of his condition. Seeing that it has worked, he assumes the identity of "Guy Moratz" and claims that Edward has killed himself, instead of continuing to report to his doctors. The film explores the consequences of his transformation as he navigates a new life while hiding his past from those around him.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Edward Lemuel, a struggling actor with a disfiguring facial condition caused by neurofibromatosis, undergoes an experimental procedure to change his face. He assumes the identity of 'Guy Moratz' and claims the original Edward is dead. Years later, as a successful real estate agent, 'Guy' discovers his neighbor Ingrid is writing a play about Edward's life. Using a mask of his original face, he auditions and is cast in the lead. He begins a relationship with Ingrid, who is unaware of his true identity. The dynamic shifts when a charismatic man named Oswald, who also has neurofibromatosis, joins the production. Edward's mental state deteriorates as he becomes obsessed with Oswald, eventually leading to a physical confrontation where Edward is severely injured. While recovering, he moves back into his old apartment. Years later, an aged Edward meets Oswald and Ingrid again; they reveal the film adaptation of the play failed, and they reflect on their past while Edward remains a man struggling with his identity.
- First release year
- 2024
- Runtime (minutes)
- 112
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Aaron Schimberg
- Writers
- Aaron Schimberg · writer
- Cast and characters
- Sebastian Stan · Edward; Renate Reinsve · Ingrid; Adam Pearson · Oswald; C. Mason Wells · Carl; Owen Kline · Nick; Charlie Korsmo · Ron Belcher; Patrick Wang · a director; Michael Shannon · himself
- Genres
- dark comedy; psychological thriller
- Themes
- identity; comparison; self-worth
- Tone and mood
- dark; tense
- Premise and plot tags
- identity theft; medical transformation; theatrical production
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics, who mostly praised the performances of Stan and Pearson, as well as Schimberg's screenplay.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 78 · scale: 100 · review count: 44
- Awards and nominations
- Silver Bear · Best Leading Performance · win; Golden Globe · Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy · win; Academy Awards · Best Makeup and Hairstyling · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was named one of the top 10 independent films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.; It was ranked 21 on the Sight & Sound Best 50 Movies of 2024.; IndieWire ranked the film at number 51 on its list of 'The 100 Best Movies of the 2020s (So Far)' in June 2025.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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