Swan Song

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2:10

Swan Song

2021

1h 45m

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

104 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Legendary actor Udo Kier stars as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who escapes the confines of his small-town Sandusky, Ohio nursing home after learning of his former client's dying wish for him to style her final hairdo. Soon, Pat embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past -- and collect the beauty supplies necessary for the job. SWAN SONG is a comical and bittersweet journey about rediscovering one's sparkle, and looking gorgeous while doing so.

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Critics Consensus

Udo Kier's layered performance lends Swan Song a nuance and poignancy that offset its potentially outlandish story.

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Mark Kermode

Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube)

Jan 18, 2024

I was rather charmed by it. No, it doesn't change the world, no it doesn't do anything that's groundbreaking other than give Udo Kier the chance to show just how broad and sympathetic his range can be.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

Jul 16, 2022

5/5

Inspired by a real-life Sandusky, Ohio legend, writer-director Todd Stephens crafts an impeccable odyssey that ponders love, loss, and attitudinal changes. “I wouldn’t even know how to be gay any more,” Pat tells Eunice, almost despairingly.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Jun 12, 2022

2/5

Stephens’s film is an amiable little story, and Kier is clearly enjoying himself immensely, but this is as wafting and insubstantial as Patrick’s chiffon scarf.

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Chance Solem-Pfeifer

Willamette Week

Jan 10, 2026

Every gesture captivates: Pat’s labored but proud gait on the roadside, the roughly 100 More cigarettes he ignites, Kier’s impossibly watery stare washing over every other character’s face.

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Jason Adams

My New Plaid Pants

Oct 14, 2025

Swan Song, for all its Camp factor, mines genuine pathos, especially in Kier's tenderly low-key but dryly hysterical turn

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William Stottor

Flick Feast

Sep 3, 2024

4/5

An elderly man comes out of retirement for one last job in Todd Stephens’ Swan Song, a moving, melancholic rumination on memories and past ghosts.

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judith M

@RT16694255 Oct 4, 2026

Really great movie! An accidental watch and so glad I did!

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Michael C

@Coxmjc23 Aug 16, 2026

One of the best movies ever!!!

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Martin M

@RT35904993 Oct 10, 2025

A wonderful romp through a considered-dead, aged gentleman who proved, with the right motivation, that there is much life left in this old queen yet. Beautifully shot with perfect costumes, amazing bit-part cameos and joyous dialogue-free scenes, it is beautiful to watch. Udo Kier proves he is an amazingly versatile lead actor.

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The S

@The_Stranger Jan 15, 2025

Incredible film that reminded me of the era where movies were made to capture a certain time and feeling rather than just a robotic amalgamation of generic script, generic actors and a crew of people just going through the motions to get a check with a director who is only there to pay his or her bills. Udo is an international treasure and shows why he’s maintained so long and has such a beloved following and epic resume. One of those times where I had a rough day and just sat down on the couch to watch whatever wss on. As it turns out, this movie was coming on just as I was flipping through and I was too tired to even bother looking for something else. The movie made my night and put me in a better mood, which I think is how art connects to people on the highest level. To the writer, producer and director (and to Udo) thank you for making this film. Great reminder of what films can be when there is some passion and an artistic vision involved and why people started making movies to begin with.

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Danny G

@RT44302958 Mar 22, 2024

Brilliant and highly underrated!

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Norma T

@RT32985115 Mar 7, 2024

This film is a MUST SEE item that is both hilarious as well as inspirational. A much loved hair dresser goes out with a "bang" after making a glorious final statement....

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Todd Stephens

Director

Udo Kier

Pat Pitsenbarger

Jennifer Coolidge

Dee Dee Dale

Linda Evans

Rita Parker Sloan

Michael Urie

Dustin

Ira Hawkins

Eunice

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Swan Song: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Legendary actor Udo Kier stars as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who escapes the confines of his small-town Sandusky, Ohio nursing home after learning of his former client's dying wish for him to style her final hairdo. Soon, Pat embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past -- and collect the beauty supplies necessary for the job. SWAN SONG is a comical and bittersweet journey about rediscovering one's sparkle, and looking gorgeous while doing so.

Director: Todd Stephens
Producer: Todd Stephens, Eric Eisenbrey, Tim Kaltenecker, Stephen Israel, Rhet Topham
Screenwriter: Todd Stephens
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Luna Pictures, Doco Digital, House of Gemini
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 6, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 13, 2021
Box Office (Gross USA): $125.0K
Runtime: 1h 45m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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