How long is The Swan?

The Swan runs 17 min and was released in 2023.

Where can I watch The Swan in the UK?

In the UK, The Swan is included with Netflix (all plans).

Is The Swan worth watching?

Stream it: if you appreciate Wes Anderson's highly stylised, theatrical approach to dark Roald Dahl material. IMDb users rate it 6.7 out of 10 from 23,580 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 95% and TMDB users 6.8.

The Swan (2023)

Film · Drama

Authentic17 minPG2023

IMDb6.7· 23,580 votesLetterboxd3.6/5RT95%RT audience72%Trakt70%TMDB6.8

Stream itif you appreciate Wes Anderson's highly stylised, theatrical approach to dark Roald Dahl material.

A stark and unsettling short film that captures the cruelty of childhood with Wes Anderson's signature precision and a cold, detached tone. It is a brief but emotionally piercing watch that feels more like a staged reading than a traditional narrative.

What it is about

Two large, ignorant bullies ruthlessly pursue a small, brilliant boy in this young adult Roald Dahl short story.

What The Swan is like, and who it is for

What it is like to watch

Watching this feels like attending a meticulously staged, live-action storybook reading. The pace is rapid and the dialogue is delivered with a flat, rhythmic precision that creates a distinct distance between the viewer and the action. Despite the vibrant colours and symmetrical framing, the tone is remarkably cold and clinical, focusing on the mechanical cruelty of the antagonists rather than the emotional distress of the victim.

Who it is for, and who should skip it

This is perfect for fans of Dahl’s darker literary sensibilities who enjoy seeing text brought to life without the softening effects of traditional cinema. It will not suit those who dislike breaking the fourth wall or who find Anderson’s rigid aesthetic tiresome. A significant caveat is its unflinching depiction of bullying; the clinical detachment makes the cruelty feel more pointed and less escapist than typical family fare.

The right evening for it

It suits a quiet, focused evening when you have twenty minutes to spare for something intellectually sharp. It is an ideal palate cleanser between longer features or a starting point for a discussion on narrative technique.

Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.

How The Swan leaves you

One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.

Stills

Images from TMDB.

If you like this, try

Dogville (2003)
the same use of a minimalist, theatrical stage to explore human cruelty
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
film · Cozy · IMDb 7.4
A visually immaculate and meticulously narrated short film that feels like a storybook come to life. With its Oscar-winning craftsmanship, it is a delightful and low-stakes treasure for fans of Wes Anderson's precise, whimsical style of storytelling.
the identical rapid-fire narrative style and direct-to-camera storytelling

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Questions people ask

Is The Swan an authentic film?: Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Authentic. A stark and unsettling short film that captures the cruelty of childhood with Wes Anderson's signature precision and a cold, detached tone. It is a brief but emotionally piercing watch that feels more like a staged reading than a traditional narrative.
How long is The Swan?: The Swan runs 17 min and was released in 2023.
Where can I watch The Swan in the UK?: In the UK, The Swan is included with Netflix (all plans).
Is The Swan worth watching?: Stream it: if you appreciate Wes Anderson's highly stylised, theatrical approach to dark Roald Dahl material. IMDb users rate it 6.7 out of 10 from 23,580 votes, Rotten Tomatoes gives it 95% and TMDB users 6.8.