Swan Song (2021) Poster

(I) (2021)

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8/10
Own happiness or happiness for who you love?
deloudelouvain9 January 2022
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.
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8/10
Too long and slow, yet powerful and beautiful.
Top_Dawg_Critic21 December 2021
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.
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7/10
Sans Song...
Xstal7 January 2022
Imagine there's a clone, who's now living in your home, a perfect doppelganger, conjured straight from the lab's hanger. It's a sympathetic swap, as your time has come to drop, all your family need to know, is you'll never let them go.

Beautifully performed by some gorgeous people; it may well get you reflecting on what you would do under similar circumstances and concluding nothing even remotely similar - even if the option was available.
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7/10
Quiet Tension
jeroduptown11 August 2022
Ali is terrific as a terminally ill father that loves his wife and kid but has a chance to leave them with a copy of himself instead of deserting them through death. Akwafina as the clinic friend, Close as the mastermind - it's a subtle but great film.
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7/10
Love Story
Horror_Flick_Fanatic18 December 2021
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.
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6/10
hello, it's me
ferguson-616 December 2021
Greetings again from the darkness. In a cinematic oddity, this is my second SWAN SONG film to review this year. The first was a SXSW starring vehicle for Udo Kier, and now we have the first feature film from writer-director Benjamin Cleary, who won an Oscar for his 2015 short film STUTTERER. It's safe to say the two SWAN SONGS share no similarities other than their title. Cleary presents a sci-fi drama that applies moral and ethical questions to advanced medical science, and our inherent desire to protect loved ones.

Oscar winner Mahershala Ali (MOONLIGHT, 2016) stars as Cameron, a graphic design artist recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. Rather than disclose this to his wife Poppy (Naomie Harris, MOONLIGHT) and young son Cory (Dax Rey), Cameron opts for an alternative course of action offered by Dr. Jo Scott (8 time Oscar nominee Glenn Close). It's an extreme and risky solution to a horrible situation, and Cameron's only motivation is to shield his family from the pain and grief his death would cause.

Dr. Scott, working with Dalton (Adam Beach), a psychologist, has concocted not just a cloning process right down to a person's DNA, but also the transfer of memories and subconscious memory storage into said clone. The idea is that loved ones never realize they've lost a loved one. Is this morally justifiable? Is it ethical? Is this deceit the right thing to do even if it spares the pain of loss? As Cameron goes through the process (and meets the new him), we see much of his life in flashback form, and get a feel for the love in his marriage, as well as the struggles incurred. While at the center ... a stunning modern facility buried deep in the picturesque forest ... Cameron meets another 'client' played by Awkwafina (CRAZY RICH ASIANS, 2018), who steers him through the process and the (at times) stifling emotions.

Mr. Ali and Ms. Harris are terrific in their scenes together, and it helps us understand why Cameron agrees to do this for her. Director Cleary never backs away from Cameron's conflicted thoughts - probably the same most would have - and we comprehend why he's tortured. However, the film never tackles some of the big picture questions and issues raised by such a proposal. The film is certain to spur plenty of thought and debate. It's a nice-looking film with strong sound design and terrific performances ... leading up to your decision: what would you do?

Available in theaters and on AppleTV+ beginning December 17, 2021.
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9/10
Very calm and realistic, a great interior design
snowcrystal20 December 2021
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?
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7/10
Biggest flaw is the slowness!
UniqueParticle26 December 2021
I watched with my mom a couple hours ago it's pretty good for what is. Great concept with some epic 2040 futuristic vibes that we only wish could come true especially if we want to carry on a marriage with a clone that has all the same traits wild idea for a Sci-Fi/Drama/Romance/ some thriller aspects mashed in! Exceptional acting I would like if anything that Mahershala Ali gets an Oscar nod.
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10/10
Loved it!
carlcasso18 December 2021
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.
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7/10
A fairly good movie, but somewhat predictable
Xavier_Stone17 December 2021
Almost a straight forward movie, just goes from A to B to C. I was hoping for a few twists and turns along the way but maybe this one doesn't need them.

Good scenery and filmed in B. C. Canada and it adds to the thinking parts of the movie. It's definitely worth a recommendation but giving it a 10 is just too much as it follows a simple story line. Well acted and the music adds a bit as well.
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8/10
A though-provoking scifi drama that hits the feels surprisingly right
lareval18 December 2021
I didn't know what to expect from this beforehand and now I'm really moved and happy to see this movie existing. This reminds me of those independent but talented films that we used to see much more in the past. Those ones that you ventured into the movies to be entertained without bombastic expectatives and with no CGI hero fest populating the multiplex. The performances, the themes and the direction is fantastic. It had me at its heartfelt mercy from the get go. Deserves to be watched and enjoyed. It's one of those that may spark a talk and debate after watching it. Really good at what it aims and what it wants to be.
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7/10
Sticks with you
Colin1718 December 2021
A movie that makes you think throughout the whole film. What would you do in this situation. The acting is unbelievably good. It needed to have a good cast because of how emotional and personal the nature of the movie is. They hit the nail on the head and Mahershala deserves an Oscar nod for this one.
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4/10
A great 30-minute film that lasted two hours
Steven-1719 December 2021
A was a great story and it was beautiful to watch, but it was only enough plot for 30-minutes. Dragging it out for two hours ruined it. Far too many scenes lasted two or three minutes when 10 seconds would've been long enough.
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7/10
Not perfect, but a very enjoyable sad drama sci-fi
darapjohnson23 October 2022
Not gonna lie, when I read the plot of this I thought it was going to be more sinister and have a more thriller vibe to it but man it was the complete opposite. A genuine surprise and makes you think about life... Enjoyed it

Mahershala Ali delivers a very good performance as our main character and really makes the viewer feel for him throughout his agony and pain. The score was very fitting, the acting in general was very nice. The plot itself was actually a very interesting thing to follow and not much we see in the movie industry. (At least not done well) but here it was actually executed pretty well, all though not perfect.
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7/10
An Apple designed movie
dongjie52824 December 2021
The cinematography is beautiful, perfect lighting, perfect graphical design for every frame.

Now to the content, the emotion that the whole situation creates is just too much for a human to handle. In a perfect world, when a person transfers their consciousness to a genetic identical physical being, they should continue to be them within the new physical being, and the consciousness in the old physical being should be switched off, it should not create a new consciousness from the whole process. The fundamental theory should come back to the question what defines "you", it's not only your physical appearance, but also your consciousness, your DNA, your.personality, your memory, your experience and many other attributes that define "you", and DNA already decides many of these attributes. Now if you clone a body to be exactly like yours which is programmed by the exactly same DNA, and then implant all your memory and basically your whole life into the cloned body, and this new person is not another person, it is YOU, as long as your consciousness is transferred at the right moment. At some time in the future, we will achieve doing so, that will mean that we will achieve so called immortality. Doing so will also create less moral conflict, less emotional conflict for a person or a society to go through.
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7/10
A winning cast sabotaged by the ending
julieshotmail18 December 2021
I like these futuristic themes centered on moral dilemmas caused by the rapid rise of technology. "Swan Song" is an awful title; I don't know why another title with a better hook to it is not chosen. At any rate, the concept here has been explored many times in other shows like "Black Mirror," "Solos," "Multiplicity," "Replicas," and probably even "The Twilight Zone." I enjoy the mysterious minimalistic ambience throughout this movie, and top that off with a likable cast with their respective acting chops, and you have yourself a winner. From Mahershala Ali who completely immerses himself in all of his roles, giving us a convincing performance every time with his wide range from subtle contemplation to heartfelt rage, to Awkwafina who is very good here deviating from her typical wild, outrageous, funny self. Notice that the 'people of color' actors here are playing roles that are not race-specific. This is definitely a step in the right direction when we are no longer typecasting someone like Awkwafina for only Asian-themed roles like in "Crazy Rich Asians" or Mahershala Ali in "Green Book." And let's not forget the presence of Glenn Close, showing us that a mature woman can also be a pioneer in tech. Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, step aside please.

Towards the end of the movie, some ambiguity begins to be thrown in which feels contrived. It is a lazy and rushed way to end the movie. The actual last scene tries to be so emotional but it just comes across as unsatisfying, which is a shame because this movie initially has so much promise.
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9/10
Love is the Message
seansoulo7320 December 2021
Love is love. Love is complicated. Love is hard and often paid by sacrifice. This was a serious gesture of unselfish love towards one's family in a most helpless situation. Could many men make the same choice Cameron did in the face of limited time, feelings of jealously, regret and sheer hopelessness?

Mahershala, Naomie, Aquafina and Glenn close all delivered.
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7/10
Simple but effective
movie-reviews-uk3 February 2023
Set in the near future "Swan Song" is clearly a science-fiction film but that's somewhat incidental. There are no spaceships here or even much in the way of advanced technology. It's not the sort of film.

Instead the story is much more reflective. What would you do if you knew, for certain, that you were going to die in the near future leaving your young family alone and bereft? What if you could replace yourself with an exact clone, in every detail, so that life could continue for your wife and children?

Would you make that sacrifice? Or is it just a selfish action and no sacrifice? What if there was another "you" who wasn't actually you but was in every way that matters. They would get to live the life denied to you and so in sense you would be there too. Except you wouldn't.

I rather liked the slow, thoughtful pace of the film. It suited the story and the questions being raised. Perhaps there isn't great depth or breadth to the movie but sometimes there doesn't need to be.
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10/10
Naysayers you all missed the point
nealhirschfeld-8462818 December 2021
Naysayers you all missed the point. This movie is about love, life loss and death, it is about all these things it is not about cloning and if you fell asleep during this movie you basically are dead to the world anyway. Great and thought provoking. Watch it. He has two Oscars for a reason.
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Two thirds of positive reviews are single activity accounts
random-7077817 December 2021
There are a fair number of talented actors in this film. But over all, due to either script or direction, this film lacks any entertainment value. It is also a very shallow dive into the issues it raises. The supposed conflict has to be explained by the characters, which is always a bad sign. Film should show, not tell. Also the films pacing feels sluggish and drawn out. Overall it is a Lifetime Network level film.

Also of the three positive reviews, two are single use accounts, where the only activity by the account is to give this manifestly mediocre film a glowing review. They both seem to be created by the third positive reviewers account. That is shilly.

3/10 at best.
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7/10
Cool storyline, great acting, some plot holes
MOVIE-REVIEW-POOPSHOOTs17 December 2021
All in all, Swan Song is a good movie. It has a particularly unique and interesting plot, accompanied by great acting and dialogue. Swan Song is more of a romance film with science fiction themes mixed in, so don't go into this movie expecting something like "Ex Machina" or "Upgrade". Just watch it simply as a fan of good cinema, overlook the few plot holes (like you do in any other movie anyways), and appreciate the film for what it is. 7.5/10.
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9/10
A very good film and its slow pace is perfect for the story
satin-4825031 December 2021
This movie is not about about technology. It's about love.

As always, Mahershala Ali's performance is stellar. Seriously, this man is one of the very best actors around. In my opinion, acting is what he does, the ability to convey complex emotions with just his body, most notably his face. The opposite of what Joaquin Phoenix did in The Joker (I am a fan of JP's but he was badly overacting in that movie).

The rest of the cast is excellent. All of them.

Many comments point out an excessive slowness. I disagree. The film is telling a journey, grief over oneself parting and stepping aside for the sake of one's family. That's a huge decision. Someone wrote here that Cameron's decision was selfish. Maybe that person was multitasking and missed the point entirely. On the contrary, it's about sacrifice and selflessness.

There's a slight twist in the second half that makes you think the movie would shift to a different genre entirely but steers back on course after a while. That may be the single flaw I found in this movie. Showing a fit of acute anxiety was consistent with the story and the character but the way it was done was a bit dissonant.

The cinematography is absolutely superb. The attention to design flawless. The music fits the story perfectly.

A very good movie.
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6/10
And?
kpfoote-9716218 December 2021
It is enjoyable, but it falls well short of its potential. The acting, direction, cinematography, all good. The script, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. There are no surprises. No twists, no turns. There's really no possible way to 'spoil' this movie, because there isn't anything about it to spoil. There are some very good things about this movie. The futuristic technology is believable, very cool, and plays a major role in the movie, but succeeds to remain somewhat understated at the same time. The premise of the story is interesting, but the finished product delivers a quite underwhelming experience. The character development started off nice but was cut short, only to yield extra time for an unnecessarily drawn-out 2nd act, before ultimately falling flat at the end. This movie is proof that you can't make a good movie with a poor script. They did everything they could and failed. That said, it was still more interesting than the average flick, so I give it a 6/10.
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5/10
Thought there was going to be a twist.
gildedfox23 December 2021
It was not bad... but from the way it went, i thought they hinted that there was going to be a twist. When he said something seemed off with the clone, that he took out his contacts more often, when he saw him from the screen "what's going on with you man" (or something similar), the nightmares like when it seemed the clone/him got rough with the kid (as if perhaps he was able to see subconsciously what's actually happening), before he decided to go over to the house to see for himself. I kept waiting for the twist like some conspiracy/hidden agenda behind that program, or something goes wrong unexpectedly and the clone going rogue, & it ended up being the wrong decision and the real guy would come to save the day, or something, and it never happened lol. What's the point of all of that, then. I'm sure some agree they could have made it more interesting cause after all, fiction as it is, still not normal/natural to have that kind of clone take over your place and life just like that after you're dead and your family never knows (other than the dog). The Echo chocolate bar looks good, though.
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7/10
It's a slow burn but never drags
r96sk15 February 2022
'Swan Song' doesn't dig as deep as I thought it might have, though it is still a film I found to be intriguing.

It has a fab cast list, with Mahershala Ali producing the goods in the lead role. Naomie Harris, Awkwafina, Glenn Close and Adam Beach also feature. I kinda feel like I wanted to see more of them, though that could just be as actors - rather than their characters, who are shown enough.

This 2021 film holds a lot of heart so it's difficult not to attach yourself to the story, in that regard I particularly enjoyed the ending. It's a slow burn but never drags. 3* for me, it's worth a sit through I'd say.
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