A Different Man (2024)

Edward's severe facial deformity defines him. He lives his life apologetically, trying not to be a bother and expecting to be either ignored or treated like a freak. His beautiful new neighbor seems to take him in stride, but he doesn't even take her into his confidence when his participation in a medical trial results in a complete transformation. Instead, he "kills off" Edward and begins a new life with great success in sales and sex. When he meets Oswald, a man living with the same condition that used to define him, he is thrown for a loop. Oswald isn't apologetic -- he's the most popular man in every room despite his disfigurement.

Though it takes a pretty weird turn in the back half, I really loved this. It spoke to me as a woman who has been taught since childhood that there are acceptable physicalities and shameful ones. The world would be a better place if non-conforming people like Oswald could be comfortable and accepted without having to break down barriers, but we're definitely nowhere near that yet.

B+