Wednesday 27 July
10am, 2:30pm, 5pm, 7:30pm
Director: Todd Stephens
Drama/Comedy
US
105 minutes
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.
Along the way he visits the grave of his late partner, whom he still loves deeply, is treated to a flashy wardrobe makeover by a woman who always admired his style, drops by a gay bar where he used to perform drag and discovering it’s their final night, attends the festivities and recaptures some of the joy of his youth.
Swan Song is a comical and bittersweet journey.
Kier’s immaculately polished performance tightens the reins as his expression expertly flits between haunted melancholy and stoic bravado to capture Pat’s regret and potential forgiveness. – Emily Maskell, Little White Lies
The story examines love, grief and connection in the gay community, and Kier gives a nuanced turn to match, nailing comedic and touching scenes alike. – Los Angeles Times
Swan Song is a tender, warm-hearted reflection of a life well lived. If it’s possible for a prolific septuagenarian to be a revelation, Udo Kier is exactly that. – John Nugent, Empire