A24 has released the trailer for A Different Man, and it looks like a compelling drama tackling issues of identity, disability, and representation.
The film follows Edward (Sebastian Stan), a timid actor whose physical appearance has been significantly affected by neurofibromatosis. Edward’s pronounced facial differences impact not only the roles he’s offered, but also his social life and self-esteem. As such, when a new medical procedure provides an opportunity to change his face, he decides to take advantage of it to “kill off” his previous life and reinvent himself as a real estate agent named Guy.
However, when Edward discovers his neighbor Ingrid (Renate Reinsve) has written a play about him, he chooses to audition without letting on who he really is. This soon raises complex issues of identity and representation, issues which are further highlighted by the appearance of another actor with neurofibromatosis (Adam Pearson).
A Different Man arrives in cinemas Sept. 20.