SWAN SONG Movie Review **SPOILER ALERT**

[@VictoryAviation]

Hey guys. I'll be honest. I thought this film was fantastic. The character development occurs over the entire film in the form of flashbacks and also the struggle that Mahershala Ali's character must endure while undergoing the change from him to the clone. The underlying story is that he loved his wife and son so much that he didn't want them to hurt because he was gone. He knew how detrimental the loss of his wife's brother was to her. He doesn't want to see her drop down into possibly even a worse depression. The emotional buy in to these characters is due to how wholesome they are. They're just damned good people, and because of that, you don't want to see them in pain. The anguish in the last scenes of Mahershala telling his son and wife that he loved them for the last time was excruciating. By that time into the story, you've already struggled with his character and seen the emotional toll the entire situation has taken on him. The clone lets him do what he needs to do because he's an exact copy... therefore just as compassionate and kind. I know there are a lot of unanswered questions, but you have to focus on the theme of the film, which is that Mahershala loved his family so much, that he was willing to die alone so that his family did not have to bare any of the burden of his sickness and death. It's a thought provoking solution that is emotionally charged. The actors executed this story in a compelling way that drew me in and allowed me to feel what the protagonist was feeling. Hopefully anyone reading this will be able to give this film a chance. When keeping an open mind, I feel that this film can be very meaningful. It reminds you not to take your time on this Earth for granted.

[@thembakhumalo4285]

Very well said.

[@VictoryAviation]

@@thembakhumalo4285 Thank you!

[@abaah12]

Facts

[@jonahpuls8671]

While I agree with this all, I will say that I think another theme is about confronting yourself and letting go of what has been holding you down. I saw the film make a clone of himself, and the two different versions of himself were the said people, but in different mindsets. The guy that was about to die was burdened down with all the bad things that had happened to him, and he had drifted away from him self. Where the clone was another version of his real self, but the one that was able to put those away and move forward with his life. It was basically a battle within himself, but taking place between himself and a clone of himself. And the end is him saying goodbye to all the pain and being ready to move forward with Poppy, because it is what they both need. This is why you can’t get caught up in the technical aspects of the film, because thats not what it’s about.

[@VictoryAviation]

@@jonahpuls8671 That’s great insight! Totally agree that this film isn’t about the technical quarks at all and about man vs self. Thanks for adding your astute observation!

[@johnc0817]

We would need clones of both of you to keep this channel going on forever. As always, love the content!

[@babytoshiro7014]

I vote for this👏👏👏

[@ikamille]

This is when you realize, people watch films based on different criteria and perspectives. The film visuals were not noticeable in a sense. Mahershala's performance alone was thought-provoking and heart-clenching. I'm for opinions and reviews,.. however, credit is given when due. To pick it apart and grade it the way you did, in fact to where one didn't even watch it? Film is art. This one is different from the remakes and played-out films we see today. You have to be intentional and be in the right headspace when you watch a film. From a cynical, "Let's get this over with"approach when you hit the switch to watch? Everything will go over your head. I cried ugly tears. one of the best films I've ever seen. If they explained everything and answered each question, would it be a film, what would be interesting about it? ... 10/10 for me.

[@stephaniebfi4297]

Joseph, if you were to be cloned how many memories do you think would transfer? LOL! Keep up the podcast. I missed the last two while on vacation, but when I take the kids to school and walk around Target I get caught up.

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

Honestly, there wouldn’t be much transferring necessary lol

[@nocontextwhatever]

I love love LOVE Mahershala Ali! I’ve been a huge fan of his all the way back to the show the 4400. I’m so glad his talent is being recognised. 💗

[@ideatcha4493]

SPOILERRR theory --- i think the plot thickener is that poppy was the first clone! they constantly mentioned there were 3 clones made and we met two of them so who was the first? when andre died she couldn’t handle it and she went MIA as they stayed. Also that whole “she abandoned us” convo between hack and cam. it also clicked when at the end the real cam was in bed saying bye to poppy and he said “i drifted”. she just kissed him and reassured them that they were happy. i think she knew already. which is believable because poppy was always smarter than cam knowing things that he didn’t know she knew (like the train chocolate echo seen). just a theory of mine

[@hahafunnybro]

Damnnnn but what about the dr/oncologist?

[@stephaniel4679]

Nick you truly are a human IMDB....im always simply amazed by your recall and knowledge 💜

[@elizabetha.188]

An Amazon limited series titled “Solos” was released in 2021. It is a series of short stories. In episode 2, starring Anthony Mackie, has this EXACT SAME PLOT. . Then in another vignette, we see Helen Mirren as Anthony Mackie’s daughter. It is set on a spaceship in the future. I just thought that was an interesting foot note to this review. I really enjoy your POV. Cheers 🥂

[@alealtun]

Poppy was the first clone. Real Poppy started to not care their marriage, decided remaning silent instead of fixing problems. There was a scene of Poppy mentioning " I wont be in silence anymore. We are going to fix our problems from now on.. " So i believe that was already her clone taking her place. Just a theory x)

[@yardstarz]

Bro...you've just made me think...that's not a bad theory at all 🤔

[@hahafunnybro]

But the client before cam said that she knew rheumatoid arthritis client before and that they all had the same dr. I’m not sure if that changes anything but idk

[@Wardawg-]

6:25 I believe the premise for that arc was that Cameron didn’t want to give his wife another heartache by leaving her. Seeing how her twin brother dying affected her he wanted to keep it secret in the end to save her the heartache and trying to convince him to not go through with it.

[@veganpeace7890]

And their podcast is great, definitely should be listened to!!

[@oniriscope]

So sad it missed the mark… thanks a bunch again for your delightful review!

[@ABN6565]

Mahershala always comes correct with his craft. Supporting cast awesome as well. But his wife was singing a Prince song, _Sometimes it snows in April_ yeah tears flowed. The words and the connection to the character was Genius picking that song. Sleep well Prince my brother🙏 Mahershala can't wait to see you as the new _BLADE_ 👍

[@mcfarlanddavej]

The chocolate bar incident on the commuter train is lifted from a Douglas Adams story. It actually happened to him and another traveler over a bag of cookies. He thought it was too good of a story to waste, so he incorporated into the 4th Hitchhiker book.

[@veganpeace7890]

Joseph, "how does Glenn Close look?" I love you!!!

[@KH-pt6be]

I love your podcast. I listen every week!

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

Thank you!

[@tjanderson5892]

4:25 We can all relate to the look given right here lol 😂

[@kingseantick]

If you watch this movie I'm sure you'd enjoy it this movie is just beautiful, I'm not much of a crier but the ending had me in tears

[@xEllyx]

Wait what?! They could've done so much with this premise. Absolutely not watching I'd be annoyed at the ending

[@claytonkelley4921]

Will listen to your podcast! :)

[@pamelalansbury94]

I clicked on this because of the thumbnail.

[@sandythemaster6898]

Nick is right... It IS actually a "short film"... There's a mini series from Prime video called Solos with Anthony Mackie and Helen Mirren and it's basically this idea WITH the aftermath of what happens with the family...

[@idilali7398]

Questions: Who is the third clone & isn't it suspicious both characters who are dying have the same Dr who suggest this cloning procedure?

[@zethraelofteldrassil3149]

Mahershala Ali is the third clone. The fourth client arrives to the clinic after Ali's clone has been slipped into "real" life and apparently all is going well. Since, this is a clandestine operation located in the middle of nowhere, the entire process of integrating the dying person with his clone takes time. I am guessing the next client in line must wait until this happens. I watched the movie today, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I noticed two glitches once the clone makes his appearance at the home, and thought "uh oh here we go. Clone runs amok". The dog knew immediately that it was not the "real" Ali, and starts to bark incessantly. But, the scene at the dinner table when his son would not stop playing a video game, so the clone grabbed it and threw it seemed out of character. Nothing came of either incident. Very nice review today, but I so wished you had enjoyed the film more.

[@armaan.kepnes]

I'm loving Nick's t-shirt😂😂

[@kimwesley9105]

Come thru with the green screen change of background 💛💛💛😘

[@kimwesley9105]

Or is it? Now I can't tell😜🤣

[@3mshaw]

@@kimwesley9105 Haha I didn't think so but you made me go back and check. I don't think it's a green screen. If you look in the window you can see a reflection of what looks like a ring light.

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

It’s not, but it might be fun to start.

[@pamelalansbury94]

Hailey Mills was in the first season of Saved By The Bell but it was called Good Morning Miss Bliss. Then the 2nd season she got fired and they renamed it Saved By The Bell. I love that Joseph remembered her name right when Nick was about to look it up. Um, side note, I just looked up your podcast, did you write this about yourselves? “These gay homosexuals have been married since 2008. They may seem like they don't get along, but they are very much in love.” And it describes you as gay homosexuals in every post. “Gay homosexuals Nick and Joseph discuss ______”. Who says “gay homosexuals”?

[@elizabetha.188]

I think this short story is better than Swan Song. It goes into those questions you pose. I liked it.

[@zacharyhall1441]

I watch this film and fantastic the visual and the lack of dialogue it was great I totally disagree with ya'll...and what movies do ya'll like..and why. did you not see the.movie you might have like it

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

Huh?

[@inthemindofkenzi8294]

Love the visuals but it felt like an apple ad / music video. Great cast but it missed the mark. I think ppl shouldn’t have known the twist from the get go. Since we all knew what would happen, it takes away from the film.

[@nocontextwhatever]

Joseph, you never heard of Marcia Gay Harden?! 🤣💖

[@veganpeace7890]

Wow, when I saw the trailer, I definitely thought of all the ethical issues or at least some would be explored in this movie. What a disappointment, especially with such a strong cast! I love the change of scenery!!!

[@ShuvaiAprilzw]

SPOILER!!!!!!! It was a frustrating movie to watch because it had so much potential and then there was no actual story. It all felt pointless, why was it a fantasy? , why the clone? why Akwafina?, Why the high tech? , it was just a half baked attempt to tell a pointless story.

[@sueprice3315]

Why Akwafina? Her character(s) got to give us a preview of what Cameron would go through: knowing his duplicate was having a great life with his family, that he never got to have any more. And this was the least pointless movie I have seen in a while. Gave me a lot to think about.

[@ButterCookie1984]

Agreed! So many missed opportunities! Where was the rising action/ conflict? Couldnt the doctor been found to have been sinister? Couldn't Jack have become rebellious?

[@sueprice3315]

@@ButterCookie1984 So many movies rely on twists these days, that we've come to expect them, but I'm glad they "missed the opportunity" to make this that kind of movie. No need to make the doctor sinister. This was a straightforward story of a man who is dying and goes through the process of having a duplicate made. The conflict was Cameron wanting to do this for his family, but having all the understandable reactions he had. Would he decide to go through with it? Jack becoming rebellious would make no sense. As far as he is concerned, he "is" Cameron, and just wants to get back to his family. It makes sense for the real Cameron to become rebellious, which he does. It gave me a lot to think about: what does it mean to be "me"? Would I do this if I were in Cameron's position? Is he treating his wife and son ethically by doing this? Is it unethical, since the family will never know the difference?

[@ButterCookie1984]

@@sueprice3315 Right, but its not a real "story". Swan Song seems to be more of an idea only.

[@MyTruth1771]

Wonderful story. These guys are just tripping. One refused to see it and the other just can't connect. Black man and woman love affair through challenge, ethical issues and in a sci Fi setting.

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

It’s wonderful you liked it so much.

[@Myluxuryaddiction]

Completely disagree with your analysis.

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

That’s okay.

[@author.M.Yvonne]

New shade term...that's a remake!!

[@cupcake5358]

I agree! This movie was so boring I started scrolling instagram like 40 minutes in

[@mikeabdon84]

This was a fantastic movie. What are y’all talking about 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

We’re glad you like it.

[@BOO4EVA]

I skipped thru this movie on mute...and I can tell it was boring not amazing