Paul, an actor, is having trouble preparing for the title role in Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya.” An article puts him in touch with a doctor who specializes in the extraction and exchange of souls. When Paul receives the essence of a Russian poet, his new soul takes over his life.

Piecing together an ambitious, metafictional storyline, this debut from Sophie Barthes (Madame Bovary) features a brilliant central performance from Paul Giamatti. Embedding existential philosophy into its absurd and surreal scenario, Cold Souls is a unique, high-concept marvel.