A critically acclaimed effort from boutique distributor A24 currently sits as the most-watched film on HBO Max. The feature in question, A Different Man, is an amalgamation of genres that can’t easily be classified. It is part thriller, contains elements of sci-fi and body horror, and even features some comedic overtones.
It’s encouraging to see this contemplative indie effort connecting with a large audience. It didn’t make much of a splash at the box office during its brief theatrical exhibition. A Different Man played only a handful of US theaters, taking in less than a million domestically and a worldwide total of $1.1 million.
Given that A Different Man was only released to a few hundred theaters, it seems as though A24 probably knew the film would fare better on home video and streaming than in cinemas. And they were certainly right about that. It’s great to see an indie picture from a boutique distributor claiming the #1 position on the HBO Max charts. It proves that there’s still a sizable audience for thought-provoking films sans explosions and superhuman abilities, just not necessarily at the multiplex.
A Different Man stars Sebastian Stan as Edward, Renate Reinsve as Ingrid, Adam Pearson as Oswald, C. Mason Wells as Carl, Charlie Korsmo as Ron Belcher, and Owen Kline as Nick.
Aaron Schimberg wrote and directed A Different Man. He previously collaborated with A Different Man star Adam Pearson on his 2018 film Chained for Life.
A Different Man enjoyed plenty of success on the festival circuit, claiming several awards along the way. Not to mention, the flick is also ‘certified fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes with an overwhelmingly positive 92% approval rating. The picture’s critical consensus reads: “Surreal and unsettling, A Different Man overcomes an occasionally tenuous narrative grasp by virtue of its bold, provocative approach to serious themes.”
What is this moody, dramatic thriller on Max about?
An aspiring actor undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. However, his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare as he becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost.
That’s absolutely everything we have for you at present, dear reader. Stay tuned to the site for more essential updates on which films within your interest set are charting on your favorite streaming services. If you’d like to discuss the collective merits of A24’s cinematic output further, come find me on Threads @FunWithHorror.
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