Virginia Film Festival

Sneak preview courtesy of A24. This program is free-to-attend, with RSVP (space allowing).

Sebastian Stan, winner of this year’s Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at the Berlin Film Festival, delivers an ingeniously embodied performance as Edward, an aspiring actor with severe facial disfigurement. When a winsome playwright (Renate Reinsve) moves in next door, and an experimental medical procedure becomes available to change his face, Edward’s outlook brightens, and he jumps at the chance for a new lease on life—until the arrival of Oswald (Adam Pearson), an outgoing and warmly charismatic stranger puts his newfound “normalcy” into perspective, and his artistic aspirations in jeopardy.

“If you’re even remotely beguiled by the enigmatic rhythms and mystery-soaked visuals of David Cronenberg and David Lynch, then allow Aaron Schimberg’s surreal third feature to lure you.”

– Tomris Laffly, Harper’s Bazaar

“Funny, thought-provoking existential comedy that might draw comparisons to Charlie Kaufman’s mind-bending, melancholy work.”

– Tim Grierson, Screen International

This screening is part of our 2024 VAFF at Violet Crown series
Presented by Ting Internet