'Swiss Army Man' A Review

Swiss Army Man is a surreal dramedy about a man, Hank(Paul Dano), marooned on an island contemplating suicide who discovers a farting corpse Manny(Daniel Radcliffe). Hank rides Manny's farting body through the ocean to the mainland where the two set off in search of rescue. Manny begins to develop a personality and a variety of special skills and in order to cultivate them Hank begins to teach Manny about civilization and a surprisingly tender friendship develops.

Both Dano and Radcliffe give great performances, fully embracing the absurd and emotional story which their characters inhabit. Radcliffe as the farting corpse(many other functions) gives the best performance of his career- innocent, sincere, and full of wonder. Dano is able to be a little more active, tasked with teaching Manny, but also explores solitude and despair balanced with an infectious joy. They both are able to go after dark subject matter while remaining hopeful. Although their relationship is bizarre and were left to wonder what is in fact real the film is ultimately about the healing power of friendship.

The film is blanketed by an incredible soundtrack which weaves diegetic and non-diegetic sound, Dano and Radcliffe frequently sing, which heightens and enhances the poignant emotional journey the characters are on. At points rapturous elation at others somber melancholy. The set design is also impressive with numerous props and back drops created out of trash and forest leavings.

The only flaw in this otherwise surprisingly fun and impactful film is the end. There is some disappointment in the eventual reveal and explanation for Dano's character's behavior. Not entirely nonsensical or ineffective it is a bit of a let down given how creative and rich the film preceding is.

Imaginative and empathetic it offers hope and pathos in equal measure.

See It.