I Hate Your Face

Description

Troy Taylor used to be a lovely guy. However, his new role as an influencer and self-acclaimed lifestyle guru has gone to his head. He’s become a narcissistic idiot and has stopped caring about anyone else, including his friends, his parents, and his pregnant girlfriend, Emma. It's time for Troy to learn a lesson. One day, something strange happens: he starts seeing his face on everyone else. Initially, this is great for Troy - he loves his own face! However, it’s hard to keep ignoring other people when they look like you. Unexpectedly, Emma turns up to introduce Troy to their baby. He doesn't want this responsibility; plus, there’s a taxi waiting to take him to a ridiculously well-paid modelling shoot. He definitely hasn’t got time to deal with a baby puking on his suit! However, seeing his own face on his son has a surprising impact on Troy; he realises he doesn’t want his child to grow up to be like him. He's compelled to be selfless; he chooses to stay and be a father. As he starts to value others, he can finally see their faces once again (but he’s still annoyed about the puke on his suit!).

Biblical Connection

This story is inspired by Paul’s words from 2 Timothy 3:1-5: ‘Remember this: There are some terrible times coming in the last days. People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud and boast about themselves. They will abuse others with insults. They will not obey their parents… People will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking and will be so proud of themselves’ (NIV). Unfortunately, as Paul predicted, these narcissistic characteristics are far too common today and Troy epitomises this. His love of money is bound up with his love of himself; getting rich means he can “look great, feel great and be great”. This destructive self-love and pursuit of material things has led him to undervalue and hurt other people. In his letter, Paul goes on to advise Timothy to ‘have nothing to do with such people’. This is the challenge faced by Troy, to disassociate himself from the unpleasant persona he has assumed and finally become a caring father, partner, son, friend and neighbour. I believe that, like Paul’s letter, this film can be an important reminder to all of us about the dangers of loving ourselves and money too much.