Film Review: SWAN SONG (2021): Mahershala Ali Shines in Slow-Moving but Unique Cloning Drama

Swan Song Review

Swan Song (2021) Film Review, a movie directed by Benjamin Cleary and starring Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Awkwafina, Glenn Close, Nyasha Hatendi, Adam Beach, Lee Shorten, Dax Rey, Ace LeVere, JayR Tinaco, Jessica Hayles, Luke Camilleri and Christine Laliberte.

Set in the not-too-distant future, Benjamin Cleary’s new film, Swan Song, features Mahershala Ali in the type of lead role he deserves although the film is slow-moving at times and the picture only occasionally lives up to the potential set by its fascinating premise. But, still, Ali is an actor’s actor and audiences will follow the character he plays in the new movie, Cameron, all the way through to the film’s emotionally powerful conclusion.

Naomie Harris portrays Cameron’s wife Poppy and Harris has never been better than in her compelling work in this new film. The film opens with their “meet cute” on a train and these two characters are simply well cast and have terrific on-screen chemistry together. We want to see them together right from the start thanks to the personalities of the two leading performers who are truly at the top of their game.

Soon, Cameron discovers that he has an illness that is taking over his brain and he will soon die. Cameron doesn’t reveal this information to Poppy or their son, Cory. Enter Dr. Scott (Glenn Close) who can clone Cameron with all the same memories and feelings and send the clone to replace him and be with his family. There is a catch, though. Cameron cannot reveal that a clone would be sent to Poppy and Cory so Cameron must remain silent if he is to carry through with this plan of action.

It’s complicated. Cameron’s clone will eventually never know that he is taking over the life of Cameron and thus, the family unit can be continued for the better, hopefully. For the real Cameron, though, there is heartbreak and suffering as he knows he, himself, would not be there for his family but rather the clone would. Granted, the clone is a duplicate of him but it’s still a very delicate matter that the film presents to viewers.

Will Cameron tell Poppy (who is pregnant) that he is dying or allow her to have the security and love the clone can provide for her? That’s the question this movie poses for the viewer. It’s hard to predict which way Cameron will turn next but the plot moves rather slowly at times making the audience wish he’d make up his mind a bit faster. However, the movie is more about Cameron than it is about what will happen if Cameron goes through with the idea of the clone. Ali is a master craftsman who adds real depth to both Cameron and the clone who are in essence the same character, but you’ll have to see the film to know that for sure.

Awkwafina plays another one of Dr. Scott’s patients, Kate, who is in a similar situation that Cameron is in. She forms a bond with Cameron and their scenes together are well orchestrated. This is one of Awkwafina’s more dramatic roles and she struggles a bit with it at times though she still ultimately creates a believable character much different from the ones she has played before in films like the great The Farewell. Awkwafina is nevertheless decent here and we feel sympathy for her character’s predicament. Glenn Close, playing Dr. Scott is merely OK but she does provide some of the reasoning behind Cameron’s potential choices through her dialogue here.

Swan Song reminded me a bit of Vanilla Sky at times with its terrific concept. Although in Vanilla Sky, Tom Cruise’s character is ultimately frozen, not cloned, both of the main characters in these films find themselves in a very distinct dilemma regarding the future of their existences. Ali has the harder of the two roles because whatever his character does, the original Cameron is going to be gone for good. However, he must do what is right for his family but is it just? The movie will make you search your own soul for answers. It’s a unique premise that is ultimately well played out.

While Swan Song is, at times, slowly paced, it becomes hard not to become emotionally invested in the material. Mahershala Ali is one of the finest actors working today so watching this film is worth it even though it could have used more of an edge in some of the scenes towards the ending of the film. Still, you’ll have plenty to talk about after seeing the thought-provoking tearjerker of a film, Swan Song.

Rating: 7/10

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