Blackfilm.com correspondent Ellen J. Wanjiru chats with two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali about his dual performance in “Swan Song,” character chemistry and the decision he would make if faced with the same fate. Swan Song” will be released in theaters and premiere globally on Apple TV+ on December 17, 2021.
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. As Cam grapples with whether or not to alter his family’s fate, he learns more about life and love than he ever imagined. “Swan Song” explores how far we will go, and how much we’re willing to sacrifice, to make a happier life for the people we love.
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Benjamin Cleary (“Stutterer”), from an original screenplay written by Cleary and produced by Anonymous Content and Concordia Studio.
“Swan Song” stars Mahershala Ali, who also serves as producer; eight-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close; and Academy Award nominee Naomie Harris. Golden Globe Award winner Awkwafina and Golden Globe Award nominee Adam Beach also star in the ensemble cast.
When Ali read “Swan Song,” his response was immediate and visceral. “It wasn’t like anything I’ve read before,” he recalls. “It felt completely fresh. The dilemma, the friction, it all felt so rich and I could see a world of things to play within these two characters. Ethically, morally, and spiritually, I could see why this would be such a difficult decision for Cameron to make. I liked that there was so much he has to consider in deciding to let someone else finish out his life for him.”
Ali has become known for giving one unexpected performance after another. He won his first Oscar as Best Supporting Actor as the drug dealer who becomes a father figure to a young gay man in “Moonlight.” Two years later, he won a second Oscar for a very different performance as real-life pianist Dr. Don Shirley in “Green Book.” Yet despite these accolades, “Swan Song” marks his first role as a leading man.
Producers are Adam Shulman (“Defending Jacob”) and Jacob Perlin (“The Amazing Johnathan Documentary”) on behalf of Anonymous Content; Jonathan King (“Stillwater,” “Dark Waters”) on behalf of Concordia Studio; Rebecca Bourke (“Wave”); Mahershala Ali and Mimi Valdés (“Hidden Figures”) through Know Wonder.
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