Cold Souls 2009
"A soul searching comedy."
In Sophie Barthes' quirky 2009 fantasy comedy *Cold Souls*, Paul Giamatti stars as an actor crippled by performance anxiety while preparing for a role in *Uncle Vanya*.
Director: Sophie Barthes
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cold Souls (2009) about?
*Cold Souls* follows an anxious actor who outsources his soul to a futuristic clinic to escape performance pressure, only to discover his soul is impossibly tiny. His journey spirals into a surreal exploration of identity, self-worth, and the absurd lengths people go to avoid emotional pain.
Who directed Cold Souls?
Sophie Barthes directed *Cold Souls*, blending sharp satire with offbeat fantasy to craft a uniquely introspective comedy.
Who stars in Cold Souls?
The film features Paul Giamatti, Emily Watson, Dina Korzun, David Strathairn, and Katheryn Winnick in key roles.
Is Cold Souls (2009) worth watching?
Though not a mainstream hit, *Cold Souls* offers a clever, original take on anxiety and artistry with strong performances. Its niche appeal may divide audiences, but fans of offbeat sci-fi comedy will appreciate its wit and thematic depth.
How long is Cold Souls?
*Cold Souls* runs for 101 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Cold Souls (2009) — Giamatti's soul-searching comedy with a surreal twist
In Sophie Barthes' quirky 2009 fantasy comedy *Cold Souls*, Paul Giamatti stars as an actor crippled by performance anxiety while preparing for a role in *Uncle Vanya*. Desperate to escape his existential dread, he stumbles upon a cutting-edge Manhattan clinic promising to extract souls, hoping to find relief—only to learn his own soul is shockingly small, no bigger than a chickpea. What begins as a far-fetched escape plan spirals into a surreal meditation on identity, artistry, and the weight of human suffering.
Merging dry wit with philosophical depth, *Cold Souls* blends science-fiction absurdity with sharp character drama, anchored by Giamatti's signature neurotic charm. The film's dreamlike atmosphere, enriched by Emily Watson and Dina Korzun's layered performances, invites viewers to ponder what we're willing to surrender for peace of mind. A biting satire of modern life's pressures, it's both a laugh-out-loud escape and a quietly haunting reflection on the invisible burdens we carry.