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January 19, 2025 – This so-called dark comedy is really more of a science fiction drama with some similarities to author Daniel Keyes' 1959 short story, “Flowers for Algernon,” which later became the 1968 film, “Charly.”
In “Flowers for Algernon,” a retarded man undergoes an experimental treatment that makes him a genius, but then the effect wears off and his intelligence declines again. Something like that happens in this movie, when an aspiring actor, Edward Lemuel (played by Sebastian Stan of the “Captain America” movies) undergoes an experimental treatment to cure his neurofibromatosis.
The treatment changes his appearance so drastically that nobody who knew him recognizes him anymore. He has gone from a man who was severely disfigured to someone who is handsome and looks like a normal person. Edward leaves his old life behind, changing his name to Guy Moratz and becoming a successful real estate agent.His old life comes back to haunt him when his old neighbor, Ingrid (played by Renate Reinsve of “The Worst Person in the World,”) writes a play about him. He gets an overwhelming urge to play himself in the play, wearing a mask to look the way he used to look. He wears the mask to a tryout and wins the part. Ingrid somehow does not suspect that Guy is the same person she used to know as Edward.
Guy becomes Ingrid's lover, but problems arise when another man, Oswald (Adam Pearson of “Under the Skin”) comes on the scene. Oswald has neurofibromatosis, and has a badly disfigured face. He heard about the play and, drawn by the subject matter, starts coming to rehearsals. Unlike, Guy, who is nervous and anxious, Oswald is confident and outgoing.
Oswald quickly becomes friends with Ingrid and starts making suggestions about how to improve the play. Guy finds himself being replaced in the play and in Ingrid's life, too. He is jealous and ashamed of himself, and he begins to become unhinged. Guy spirals out of control, seeking revenge on those who have wronged him, especially those who judge people on their appearance.
The story spans several years, and the relationship between Guy, Ingrid and Oswald evolves over time, and there are some startling twists in the story. Guy finds out that it doesn't do him any good to blame others for what he has become. He has only himself to blame.
Sebastian Stan's performances in 2024 have gotten him a lot of award nominations (including an Academy Award nomination for his performance as a young Donald Trump in another film, “The Apprentice”) this awards season. Adam Pearson is also great in this film playing a character, Oswald, who is the opposite of Sebastian Stan's character.
The story is not believable for a number of reasons (not because it is science fiction) but it is compelling with quite a few unexpected plot twists. It works as a science fiction vehicle for a very strange character study and twisted drama. This movie rates a C+.
Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff (no extra charges apply). I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.
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