Swan Song

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2:26

Swan Song

R

Released Dec 17, 2021

1h 52m

Drama

Romance

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

100 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Set in the near future, "Swan Song" is a powerful, emotional journey told through the eyes of Cameron (Mahershala Ali), a loving husband and father who is expecting his second child with his wife Poppy (Naomie Harris). When Cameron is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he is presented with an alternative solution by his doctor (Glenn Close) to shield his family from grief. As Cameron grapples with whether or not to alter his family's fate, he learns more about life and love than he ever imagined. Written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Benjamin Cleary, "Swan Song" explores how far we will go, and how much we're willing to sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people we love.

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Critics Consensus

Swan Song occasionally strays on the wrong side of maudlin, but Mahershala Ali's work in dual roles lends this sci-fi drama genuine heart.

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Robert Levin

Newsday

Mahershala Ali crafts two clearly defined characters, allowing for the movie to ask its familiar questions about how we define our humanity in a new way.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 31, 2021

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

It raises some really intriguing ethical quandaries.

Dec 24, 2021

Full Review

Trace Sauveur

Austin Chronicle

Cameron's journey is a complicated and poignant one, though the muted aura that maintains a rigid hush over scenes keeps the viewer at something of an emotional detachment.

Dec 22, 2021

Full Review

M.N. Miller

InSession Film

A stoic, moving film about working through anticipatory grief and coming to the realization that some things are bigger than ourselves.

Rated: B+

Jan 4, 2023

Full Review

Mark R. Leeper

Mark Leeper's Reviews

Cameron (Mahershala Ali) is dying, and to save his family from grief, he agrees to being cloned with all his memories except the ones that would tell him he is a duplicate. The plot has similar ideas to FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED, and also MOON.

Rated: 6/10

Sep 18, 2022

Full Review

Zoë Rose Bryant

Loud and Clear Reviews

Swan Song is sci-fi at its most stripped down and stirring, with the masterful Mahershala Ali (in his first lead role!) rooting the drama in grounded emotional realism.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 1, 2022

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Me A

This movie was quite beautiful and thought-provoking ... Mr. Ali was stellar as always, with Ms. Harris and Ms. Close as amazing supporting characters. It was a little slow and meandering at times, but the character development was solid and the "what-if" factor will have me pondering the decision I would have made for a long time to come. Lovely, emotional movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/22/25

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ssoonview K

I can’t believe an SF movie could be this sad! In the end, the only one who truly understands me is myself.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/05/25

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William B

Took me 3 good years to watch this movie after watching a recap of it on utube. now I know why the movie has been on mind till now 10 april 2025..will forever be my favourite movie..all thanks to the director and the lovely cast members ❤darcy

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/10/25

Full Review

Rosana B

Um belíssimo drama romântico de ficção científica, com roteiro inteligente e execução perfeita, fotografia linda, seja dos ambientes naturais quanto os futuristas, flertou com outros filmes que tinham um toada parecida, entretanto sobressai pelo ar intimista decide envergar, aprofundando se no difícil dilema entre ética, confiança, altruísmo e até mesmo questionamentos morais da clonagem e Mahershala Ali está excelente... O filme é lirico, nos emociona, encanta e entretém…

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/25

Full Review

Daniel G

Long version of what easily could have been an amazing "Dark Mirror" episode. However, after a strong start, it become too sweetly emotional and slowed down a bit too much, just when it was time to climax. Nevertheless, kudos to another powerful performance by Mahershala Ali. Of course, it does beg some ethical and metaphysical issues - in particular, could one say that the same person will actually die twice, but each time will suffer the insecurity and pain of dying? Also, the death of the 1st personality in an isolated, though stunning natural location, is exactly that which makes the departure the hardest, without loved ones around.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/19/25

Full Review

Robert C

A fascinating meditation on existential issues. Very stylish and expertly directed, this is an elegant and deftly acted movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

Full Review

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Swan Song: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Set in the near future, "Swan Song" is a powerful, emotional journey told through the eyes of Cameron (Mahershala Ali), a loving husband and father who is expecting his second child with his wife Poppy (Naomie Harris). When Cameron is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he is presented with an alternative solution by his doctor (Glenn Close) to shield his family from grief. As Cameron grapples with whether or not to alter his family's fate, he learns more about life and love than he ever imagined. Written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Benjamin Cleary, "Swan Song" explores how far we will go, and how much we're willing to sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people we love.

Director: Benjamin Cleary
Producer: Mahershala Ali, Rebecca Bourke, Jonathan King, Jacob Perlin, Adam Shulman, Mimi Valdés
Screenwriter: Benjamin Cleary
Distributor: Apple TV+
Production Co: Apple, Anonymous Content, Know Wonder, Concordia Studio
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 17, 2021
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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