Swan Song

R

Released Dec 17, 2021

1 hr. 52 min.

Drama

Romance

Sci-Fi

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List

79%

101 Reviews

Tomatometer

75%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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Sal D

Mahershala Ali's incredible talents pull this film from beginning to end. The script is not particularly novel nor is there an emotional reveal that is glaringly obvious after the first act. Still, watching Ali is worth the watch - no actor could have done more with so little.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/04/23

Full Review

Maria L

I love this movie! It's insane that Mahershala Ali didn't win an Oscar for this. This is the dream role for a master actor like Mahershala. To me It's just frustrating that it didn't get all the awards it deserves. Especially so more people could find this gem of a story. Thank you Benjamin Cleary, you are an amazing director and I can't wait to see the stories you write and direct in the future.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/23/23

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Adam M

Absolutely floored by this film. Immaculate and moving the "beer" scene will stay with me for the rest of my life. Outstanding!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/23/23

Full Review

Chantel B

It's crazy how these TV shows and movies display technology so advanced, so surreal! With that being said, the idea of sending a clone to take your place because of your terminal health conditions is both a blessing and a curse. I can't imagine the thought of watching "something" else live your life while you're dying. On the flip side, you don't have to put your family through the pain of losing you. What an awesome concept of a movie with such a hard decision to make and burden to bear.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Very intriguing idea, but extremely extremely slow… not enough action or moving parts to make that intriguing idea come to fruition for me. Mahershala Ali is excellent as always, Glenn Close too. Just could have been done better.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Linda C

Amazing movie. Love the concept and love the relationships in the family. A gentle and loving story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/22

Full Review

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Benjamin Cleary

Director

Mahershala Ali

Cameron

Naomie Harris

Poppy Turner

Glenn Close

Dr. Scott

Awkwafina

Kate

Adam Beach

Dalton

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Swan Song: Trailer 1

2:26

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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

Full Review

Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

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

Full Review

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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
Executive Producer: Shea Kammer
Screenwriter: Benjamin Cleary
Distributor: Apple TV+
Production Co: Know Wonder, Anonymous Content, Concordia Studio, Apple
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 17, 2021
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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