Swan Song

First, no one aging alone, straight or gay, has it easy, far from it. The notion that family or children saves is true sometimes, not others in dramatic ways. When money is involved, the problem speaks for itself. This character was brave, stuck to what they were, worked to make the income necessary, walked to avoid costs of bus or taxi, makes a go of it, but then just what is the choice for any of us?The problems of an alone gay in "old age" are made poignantly clear especially when there is little money. Some wealthy gays and straights come to mind who had it better. But, I wonder, only seeing those situations from the outside, maybe not as good as they appeared with one or many waiting for death and the inheritance. To be sure, inheritance problems happens for those with children as well.After my viewing, I was uplifted by the bravery and support but it brought home how sad the later years can be for anyone, gay, straight, in between (whatever label works). None of us knows when we will be left alone or in ill health even if we are fortunate enough to find a soulmate. Sad, true, and alas depressing (though the movie wasn't). It's great the movie didn't pull out all the stops of being sick, senile, and the like in addition to alone (though alas it happens). It hit a perfect balance between aging and health and bravery (and not excessively so).P.S. If you haven't looked on line, you'll find Udo was incredibly attractive in his youth and chose out when many didn't, brave from the get go. Doubt it helped his film career.

I loved this film. It is so sad and evokes a bygone era of Gay history. It shows what happens to gay older men once they pass their use-by date. Also surprisingly heart-warming and shows most people are good at heart. It has some very funny moments, if you understand gay humour. Highly recommended if you are a Udo Keir fan.

I have seen this movie at least 4 times before buying it, I have seen it in the theatre, and streamed it and knew I had to add it to my collection. Writer and director Todd Stephens made a beautiful, funny and touching masterpiece.

A life well lived. Then life without planning disintegrated into loneliness, loss and sadness. This movie was well done. The people portrayed as most small town people kind, thoughtful and manners held even with indifference.

Terrific film that develops beautifully as the protagonist makes his journey across town and across time. 5-Star performance from Udo Kier and the rest of the cast.

I love this movie so much – after I watched it, I kept thinking about it for days afterward. It was such a thoughtful movie. It really touched me.The story should appeal to everyone. For me, a middle-aged Midwestern housewife, it wasn’t so much about the gay culture specifically but the story of a man who ended up in a nursing home and then was able to become his true self again. When he goes back to Sandusky, every step of the way gets him a little closer to his true self. There are so many hilarious scenes – I laughed out loud so many times. This movie is a joy - it’s thoughtful and inspiring. I absolutely loved it. Thank you to director Todd Stephens for making such a memorable film. There’s not many films that kept me thinking about them so long afterwards. It was quite haunting in a beautiful way. Highly recommend.

It felt 50 yrs younger. The old gay humor and irony presented flawlessly.

I enjoyed this quirky and unique movie. Very touching and moving portrayal of an ageing, once flamboyant and respected gay hair stylist resurrected from an old folks home by an invitation to style the hair of a deceased former client he has very mixed feelings about. Does he accept the task or not…..that is the question. Won’t spoil it for you.

This is a rare stand-out LGBTQ film that deserves as much praise as it gets. Udo Kier gives an Oscar worthy performance as a once-upon-a-time stylist to the elite in a once-upon-a-time happening town. Now living in a retirement home, he is requested to do the makeup and hair of one of his biggest clients back in the day when she passes. At first hesitant, he takes the gig and meets a series of oddball characters and reminisces about his past and the good-old-days. It's a story of remembering one's past and comparing it to the present without being sappy and sugary. It has the same tone as the movie "Tucked" but set in the south. Highly recommended for sure.