A DIFFERENT MAN (2024)

A Different Man is the adult fairy tale we didn’t know we needed. Instead of a big bad wolf to fear, it’s one’s projections that lead to despair and suffering. Imagine Ari Aster’s Beau is Afraid (2023), Charlie Kaufman’s Synechdoche, New York (2008), Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance (2024), a Cronenberg-ian biological flair and a dash of Farrelly Brothers identifiable lone man dramedy, and you’re a little closer to defining the genre of this exceptionally original film. While not for everyone, it’s at the same time…for everyone! Writer/director Aaron Schimberg consistently surprises with a story that evolves beautifully and plays with your expectations and its presumed trajectory, all while embedding a sympathetic understanding of just how delicate or steadfast the ebbs and flows of life can be depending on your outlook.

WATCH OR NOT: WATCH

Additional musings: Sebastian Stan is making excellent choices post Marvel-Verse. He is a talent to watch.