El canto del cisne

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 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.

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.

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.

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.