Swan Song on Apple TV+ stars Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Awkwafina, Glenn Close and Adam Beach. Directed and written by Benjamin Cleary, Jay Wadley has given the music for the sci-fi drama. The cinematography is by Masanobu Takayanagi and the film is edited by Jay Wadley.
The synopsis reads, “Set in the near future, Swan Song is a powerful, emotional journey told through the eyes of Cameron (Mahershala Ali), a loving husband and father diagnosed with a terminal illness who is presented with an alternative solution by his doctor (Glenn Close) to shield his family from grief.”
Apple TV+ Swan Song Review Contains No Spoilers
In Apple TV+ film Swan Song, Mahershala Ali plays the role of Cameron Turner, a happily married man with a sweet family – a loving wife and wonderful son, Cory. His wife Poppy (Naomie Harris) is expecting second child and looking forward to what’s next. Unfortunately, Cameron doesn’t have much time left as he’s diagnosed with a terminal illness. To save his family from the pain of loss, Cameron decides to switch life with his clone with the help of Dr. Scott (Glenn Close).
Leaving your family behind while waiting for death is never easy. Death is inevitable but in near future, humans have managed to find ways that will save their loved ones from early pain. But is it easy? Do things always go as planned? Will the clone be as humane as Cameron or the family will find out?
In those 1 hour 53 minutes, director Benjamin Clearly has shown us what a good life Cameron has been living. With flashbacks of how he met Poppy to his adorable moments with son, we get a glimpse of the happiness he’s experienced till date. But the tone of the narrative is sombre because Cameron has to give up on everything and lock himself away. There are doubts in his minds, a sense of hesitation and uncertainty as he gets closer to letting the clone take his place.
Also Read: Hawkeye Episode 5 Review: Ronin and Revelations
The picturisation, emotions and pain that Cameron Turner feels can be felt through the screen. As we dive deep into his life, we feel sadder that he has to give up on his loved ones for their betterment. The concept reminded me of Amazon Prime’s Solos episode starring Anthony Mackie. In Mackie’s episode of the anthology series, he orders his clone that will take his place in the family as he’s about to perish. The only drawback is that it’s a slow-burning drama that tests your patience to see the heartbreaking end.
Mahershala Ali is outstanding in displaying pain, sadness and fear as Cameron Turner in Swan Song movie. The onus of captivating us and making us stay till the end is on him. Ali has done an incredible job with his moving performance. Naomie Harris as Poppy is endearing and shares a great chemistry with Ali. Glenn Close as Dr Scott does a good job too.
Swan Song Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, Swan Song is a good one time watch as it touches deep human emotions. Despite being a sci-fi drama, the humane angle is prominent throughout. The performances, direction and music are winsome. It’s the length that bothered me as a definitive concept like this doesn’t need more than an hour.
The film is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Also Read: Spider-Man: No Way Home Review (No Spoiler): Claps, Tears and Cheers!