SXSW 2021 Review: Swan Song

The legendary Udo Kier plays one of his most delicious roles yet in this beautifully bittersweet comedy. 

Judy Garlanded’s melodic voice fills your ears as velvet curtains rise to reveal Mr. Pat (Udo Kier). The glamor fades, stage lights turn fluorescent, and Pat is now in a dull nursing home.  His once lush life as a hairdresser (and weekend drag queen) is now spent sneaking cigarettes, folding napkins, and occasionally using his hairdressing skills to bring a little joy to his fellow patients. 

As Pat sits in his drab living quarters, a lawyer representing his late friend Rita Parker Sloan (Linda Evans) enters. Her dying wish was for Pat to do her hair and make-up and possibly make amends for the rift created between them. 

Pat initially declines but ultimately decides to go through with it. He runs out of the nursing home and into the vast fields filled with broken buildings donned in sweats and a fanny pack. As he makes his way to the funeral home, Pat tells his tales of his younger days, when he was once the most sought-after hairdresser in their small town and betrayed by his apprentice Dee Dale (Jennifer Coolidge), who took all of his best clients with her (including Rita). 

Strapped for cash, Pat partakes in a few hair care heists to get the supplies he needs. While walking through the small town, he passes by a thrift shop. Insides he’s met with one of his former clients. Seeing the once flamboyant man down on his luck, she does him a favor and gives him a lime green pantsuit that noticeably gives him the confidence he needs. 

Pat finally reaches Rita’s home. As he sets out his supplies, he contemplates if he still wants to help the woman who hurt him. In the end, Pat lets bygones be bygones and makes Rita beautiful once more with his magic touch. 

Swan Song is a beautifully layered film about facing your foes, reliving your past, and feeling the joy of being you. Udo Kier is flawless and eats up every word of the tasteful script by writer-director Todd Stephens with ease and poise. 

Stephens’ direction is impeccable as he highlights how Pat’s big personality Impacted such a small town. Every scene is meticulously crafted using the stylish sounds of Dusty Springfield, Shirley Horn, and Shirley Bassey to bring nostalgia resulting in every possible emotion.

In conclusion, Swan Song is a vibrant emotional journey. It’s a film carried by fantastic acting and exquisite direction that will have you smiling through your tears.