NZIFF Film Review: "Swiss Army Man" (2016).

"We all need some body to lean on." This is Swiss Army Man. This absurdist black comedy film written and directed by the Daniels, in their respective feature directorial debuts. Hank is stranded on a deserted island, having given up all hope of ever making it home again. But one day everything changes when a corpse named Manny washes up on shore; the two become fast friends, and ultimately go on an epic adventure that will bring Hank back to the woman of his dreams.

By mid July 2015, Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe and Mary Elizabeth Winstead were cast in an absurdist black comedy film written and to be directed by Scheinert and Kwan, in their respective feature directorial debuts. At the same time, principal photography commenced and wrapped in early August. Filming took place in Los Angeles, San Pedro, Humboldt and Redwood City, California.

The film stars Dano, Radcliffe, and Winstead. Dano should earn himself a well-deserved best actor Oscar nomination, carrying much of the action without talking to anyone but himself for a dead body he finds on an island. Radcliffe made more faces and dragged around with his mouth open more than I might have liked, but he has a way of revealing his thoughts without words that kept me intrigued. The challenge to the character is matched by the challenge to the actor; for most of the movie Dano is the only human being we see or hear. He tackles the job with stunning confidence in a performance stripped of gimmicks and driven by need. Dano's Everyman quality has never been more aptly utilized: He's the perfect stand-in for all of us who never made it to Eagle Scout. In addition to Dano's superb acting, Radcliffe's amazing performance helps lift this movie above the ordinary.

The film is an exceptionally well-crafted exploration of the survival of the human spirit. It's a film unafraid to consider the full complexity of life. As melancholy as it is affirming, the film tells a darkly comic, occasionally punishing parable about what happens when humans lose sight of humility in life's grand scheme. Remains one of the more vividly transporting films I've come into contact with. It's heartbreaking, darkly comedic, bravely observational, and ultimately, pure emotional poetry. Though Dano comes across as blandly as ever, at least his solid performance shows he's up to carrying half a movie on his own, and the Daniels' direction is at first as busily efficient as the protagonist. This isn't a first time a long-awaited movie has turned out to be a crushing disappointment and it won't be the last, but the loss is made even more wrenching when one considers how little it would have taken to make the film a great one. If all of the film were as gripping as its long midsection, it would be overwhelming; still, even with its flaws, it marks another milestone performances for Dano and Radcliffe as well as for the Daniels.

Simon says Swiss Army Man receives:

Also, see my NZIFF review for The Red Turtle.