what's most notable about Todd Stephens' heartfelt salute to a real-life local legend is that the campiness of its outrageous plot becomes secondary to the soulful poignancy
Udo Kier is at the center of it all, balancing a story that could have stuck to flamboyance, oddness, and eccentricity, treating the beautiful script from Todd Stephens also with the emotional sincerity it deserves
the story examines love, grief and connection in the gay community; Kier gives a nuanced turn to match, nailing comedic and touching scenes alike; Swan Song smartly balances its excesses with small, sweet moments that leave an impression on the audience
"Swan Song" is a spectacle for Udo Kier. Todd Stephens' film is a sweet gesture, a personal ode to a hometown hero of his, and while the filmmaking itself is rusty, there's enough love from Stephens and Kier alike to keep this little film afloat
by Jenny Nulf [Austin Chronicle ]
