Cold Souls is a 2009 indie film written and directed by Sophie Barthes. The film stars Paul Giamatti as himself, a renowned actor and theater artist who is struggling to find the right interpretation of the lead character in Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya. Giamatti's obsession with the role begins to affect his personal life and cause him immense anxiety, leading him to seek out a "soul extraction" company that promises to alleviate the burden of his emotions.
The company, run by the eccentric Dr. Flintstein (played by David Strathairn), advertises the ability to extract and store souls, offering relief from emotional pain and anxiety. Initially, Giamatti is skeptical, but he ultimately decides to take the plunge and has his soul extracted. However, the experience only serves to compound his problems, as he feels increasingly disconnected from his own emotions and unable to connect with others.
As the film progresses, Giamatti becomes increasingly obsessed with his missing soul, and sets out on a surreal journey to recover it. Along the way, he encounters various characters and strange situations, including a Russian soul smuggler and a soul storage facility that resembles a high-security prison.
Cold Souls is a darkly comedic exploration of the nature of identity, emotion, and the human experience. It features strong performances from Giamatti and the supporting cast, and Barthes' direction enhances the surreal, dreamlike quality of the story. Overall, the film is a thought-provoking and original work that deserves greater recognition in the indie film canon.