In the near future, a terminally ill man explores a heart wrenching, emotionally complex solution to save his wife and son from grief by duplicating himself without them knowing.In the near future, a terminally ill man explores a heart wrenching, emotionally complex solution to save his wife and son from grief by duplicating himself without them knowing.In the near future, a terminally ill man explores a heart wrenching, emotionally complex solution to save his wife and son from grief by duplicating himself without them knowing.
- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 2 wins & 12 nominations total
Ace LeVere
- Cory (Age 2)
- (as Ace Lever)
Shema Cayden
- Cameron (Age 5)
- (as Cayden Shena)
Christine Laliberté
- Elderly Woman on Train
- (as Christi La Liberté)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Very clever sci-fi movie that keeps you entertained for the entire (rather long) duration. I wasn't bored for a moment, the story was just very appealing to me, the choice between own happiness or happiness for the one you love, it's a difficult choice. Oscar winner Mahershala Ali did a great job playing his two characters. The rest of the cast is also good but Mahershala Ali carries this movie. The sci-fi elements are very futuristic but not impossible to imagine. Swan Song won't disappoint a lot of sci-fi lovers.
This is newb filmmaker Benjamin Cleary first full length feature film debut, with less than a handful of prior shorts, and he sure did hit this one out of the ballpark, especially considering his inexperience.
Was it perfect? Absolutely not. My main issues are that this film was too long at 112 mins, that felt longer with the slow pacing and dragged out/unnecessary scenes. I can't stand slowly paced films, yet this one had to be for it to work. I just wish there was more substance with less filler to fill in the runtime, or edit out at least 15 mins.
I will say though that Cleary's story was delicate, intelligent, engaging, immersive and very thought provoking, with the perfect amount of sci-fi to compliment the psychological drama and romance. If you're expecting a hard core sci-fi, you will be disappointed. However if you're a fan of the show, it was right out of the "Black Mirror" playbook. It was told with emotionally character-driven sincerity and intrigue, rather than the typical gimmicks, and that's what makes this film a stand-out. Yes, I would've wanted more Hollywood thrills, suspense and action, but that would've impacted the storie's dynamics negatively. Cleary's directing was also impressively excellent, as was the cinematography and score. All casting and performances were near perfection, especially Ali's.
If you're like me, you may start getting bored with the story and it's pacing; be patient, as the last act will make it all worthwhile and leave knots in your throat and stomach. I do wonder though, if the dog will ever warm up to the Swan Song remix. It's a well deserved standing ovation for Clearly and his talented cast, and a 8/10 from me.
Was it perfect? Absolutely not. My main issues are that this film was too long at 112 mins, that felt longer with the slow pacing and dragged out/unnecessary scenes. I can't stand slowly paced films, yet this one had to be for it to work. I just wish there was more substance with less filler to fill in the runtime, or edit out at least 15 mins.
I will say though that Cleary's story was delicate, intelligent, engaging, immersive and very thought provoking, with the perfect amount of sci-fi to compliment the psychological drama and romance. If you're expecting a hard core sci-fi, you will be disappointed. However if you're a fan of the show, it was right out of the "Black Mirror" playbook. It was told with emotionally character-driven sincerity and intrigue, rather than the typical gimmicks, and that's what makes this film a stand-out. Yes, I would've wanted more Hollywood thrills, suspense and action, but that would've impacted the storie's dynamics negatively. Cleary's directing was also impressively excellent, as was the cinematography and score. All casting and performances were near perfection, especially Ali's.
If you're like me, you may start getting bored with the story and it's pacing; be patient, as the last act will make it all worthwhile and leave knots in your throat and stomach. I do wonder though, if the dog will ever warm up to the Swan Song remix. It's a well deserved standing ovation for Clearly and his talented cast, and a 8/10 from me.
First off. This is what I would describe as an Intelligent Movie.
This would explain the many negative reviews.
To describe it as boring really describes the person who is viewing it and their ability to understand what they are watching.
They've lost interest as it doesn't have explosions, a loud soundtrack or violence.
This Movie is about Life, Death, love and putting your loved ones needs ahead of your own.
If you missed that then these type of movies clearly are not for you.
Ali and Harris are incredible to watch.
A person sitting next to me asked " was that Ali's twin?"
This speaks volumes for the special effects team and their incredible but subtle work on this movie.
This is one I will watch again and again.
It was a powerful and thought provoking piece.
Well done to all involved and thank you for such a beautiful movie.
This would explain the many negative reviews.
To describe it as boring really describes the person who is viewing it and their ability to understand what they are watching.
They've lost interest as it doesn't have explosions, a loud soundtrack or violence.
This Movie is about Life, Death, love and putting your loved ones needs ahead of your own.
If you missed that then these type of movies clearly are not for you.
Ali and Harris are incredible to watch.
A person sitting next to me asked " was that Ali's twin?"
This speaks volumes for the special effects team and their incredible but subtle work on this movie.
This is one I will watch again and again.
It was a powerful and thought provoking piece.
Well done to all involved and thank you for such a beautiful movie.
It's a good movie. However, I felt it was more of a heartfelt love
and sacrifice story than a science fiction film. It has really good acting performances, the sets and the cinematography are beautiful. But for science fiction it had some illogical points that didn't make sense. I don't think both Camerons should have met, but supposedly they have the technology to erase the clones memory of the original Cameron.. But it didn't stop me from enjoying the film. I would watch it again. I felt the courtship in the very beginning of the movie was very romantic.
I'm a Japanese who lives in the U. S. and English is not my first language so please allow me my poor English.
It was very calm and touching. Not too drama but realistic. I mean I've never been in a similar situation so it's weird to say this but I meant it was not like a roller coaster type of story and it just made me think of a lot of things that'll happen in my future for real and what's "love" quietly.
And whoever likes an interior design, especially for a minimalist, you'll love it. Not just interior, the designs of all of objects in this movie even the text box are very sophisticated. Also I love the couple's way of talking which is calm and peaceful and perfectly matches with the designs of objects. The scenes in the tranquil forest and well designed interior are just beautiful and relaxing.
My husband said it was too slow but I didn't feel like that way. I felt even the slowness matched the whole movie. It's interesting that how people feel differently. And in my case, I felt calm and relaxed after watching it. How about you?
It was very calm and touching. Not too drama but realistic. I mean I've never been in a similar situation so it's weird to say this but I meant it was not like a roller coaster type of story and it just made me think of a lot of things that'll happen in my future for real and what's "love" quietly.
And whoever likes an interior design, especially for a minimalist, you'll love it. Not just interior, the designs of all of objects in this movie even the text box are very sophisticated. Also I love the couple's way of talking which is calm and peaceful and perfectly matches with the designs of objects. The scenes in the tranquil forest and well designed interior are just beautiful and relaxing.
My husband said it was too slow but I didn't feel like that way. I felt even the slowness matched the whole movie. It's interesting that how people feel differently. And in my case, I felt calm and relaxed after watching it. How about you?
Did you know
- TriviaSecond movie starring Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris after the Oscar winning movie Moonlight (2016). Both Ali and Harris were nominated for their performances, with Ali winning in the Best Supporting Actor category.
- Quotes
Dr. Jo Scott: Either you decide that your wife would want this, which requires secrecy, or *you* decide that she wouldn't and tell her you're dying. Either way, you're deciding *for* her.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 831: The Tragedy of Macbeth (2022)
- SoundtracksQuarrel
Written by Moses Sumney, Cam O'bi, Paris Strother (as Paris Nicole Strother)
Performed by Moses Sumney
Courtesy of Jagjaguwar
- How long is Swan Song?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime1 hour 56 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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