Swan Song

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 17, 2021

Genre
Drama, Science Fiction

Cast & Crew

• Mahershala Ali as Cameron Turner / Jack
• Naomie Harris as Poppy Turner
• Glenn Close as Dr. Scott
• Awkwafina as Kate
• Nyasha Hatendi as Andre

Director
Benjamin Cleary

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Stutterer (2015) (short film, Oscar-winning)

Producer
Adam Shulman, Jacob Perlin, Jonathan King, Mahershala Ali, Rebecca Bourke

Writer
Benjamin Cleary

Budget
$20 million (estimated)

Production Company
Apple TV+, Anonymous Content, Concordia Studio

Running Time
112 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Mature themes
• Some language
• Emotional intensity

Movie Story
“Swan Song” is a poignant, character-driven science fiction drama that explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the ethical complexities of technology. The film follows Cameron Turner (Mahershala Ali), a loving husband and father who is grappling with a terminal illness. Unwilling to leave his wife, Poppy (Naomie Harris), and their young son to face life without him, Cameron is presented with an unconventional and secretive option: a procedure that will create a perfect, healthy clone of himself to take his place after his death, with all of his memories and personality traits intact.

As Cameron undergoes the process, led by the compassionate yet enigmatic Dr. Scott (Glenn Close), he struggles with the emotional and ethical implications of this decision. The film delves into the intense psychological journey Cameron faces as he interacts with his clone, known as Jack, and contemplates whether he is truly doing the right thing for his family or merely creating a comforting illusion.

“Swan Song” poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of identity, the value of life, and what it means to truly live. The film is not just about the sci-fi elements of cloning but is deeply rooted in the emotional reality of Cameron’s situation, focusing on his love for his family and the profound sacrifices he is willing to make for their happiness.

Mahershala Ali delivers a powerful dual performance as both Cameron and Jack, capturing the nuanced differences between the two while conveying the deep emotional turmoil of a man facing his own mortality. The supporting cast, including Naomie Harris and Glenn Close, further elevates the film with strong, empathetic performances.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Swan Song” are understated and used primarily to support the film’s exploration of advanced technology, such as the cloning process and the futuristic setting. The visual effects are seamless and integrated into the narrative without overpowering the story, focusing on creating a believable world where such technology could exist. The film’s design elements, including the sleek, minimalist interiors and the cutting-edge technology, reflect the near-future setting and add to the film’s contemplative tone.

Box Office Performance
“Swan Song” was released on Apple TV+, which limited its traditional box office impact but allowed it to reach a global audience through streaming. The film received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Mahershala Ali’s, and for its thoughtful exploration of complex emotional and ethical issues. While it did not achieve commercial success in the traditional sense, it resonated with audiences looking for a more introspective and emotionally driven science fiction film.

Filming Locations

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “You’re not just replacing me. You’re living for me.” – Cameron Turner
• “How much of us do we actually leave behind when we’re gone?” – Dr. Scott

Behind-the-Scenes
“Swan Song” is the feature film debut of Benjamin Cleary, who won an Academy Award for his short film Stutterer. Cleary wrote and directed the film, bringing his sensitivity to human emotion and relationships to a science fiction context. Mahershala Ali, who also served as a producer, was deeply involved in the project, helping to shape the character of Cameron and the story’s direction. The film’s production design focused on creating a world that felt just slightly ahead of our own, emphasizing the plausibility of its technological premise while keeping the emotional core of the story at the forefront.

Awards

• Nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama (Mahershala Ali)
• Nominated for Black Reel Award for Best Actor (Mahershala Ali)

Final Verdict
“Swan Song” is a beautifully crafted and deeply emotional film that uses science fiction as a backdrop to explore universal human experiences. Mahershala Ali’s dual performance is the heart of the film, bringing a profound depth to the story’s exploration of identity, love, and sacrifice. The film’s thoughtful approach to its futuristic premise, combined with its focus on the emotional journey of its characters, makes “Swan Song” a standout in the science fiction genre. It is a film that invites reflection and conversation, appealing to those who appreciate character-driven narratives and ethical dilemmas.

IMDb Rating
6.8/10