Swan Song

2023. Directed by Chelsea McMullen. 103 minutes. Not rated.

Chelsea McMullen takes viewers on an immersive, behind-the-scenes journey as one of the world’s leading ballet companies mounts a legacy-defining new production of Swan Lake.  Ballet icon Karen Kain directs the National Ballet of Canada, on the eve of her retirement after a nearly 50-year career. The verité-driven feature documentary closely follows Kain and a group of young dancers drawn from the National Ballet of Canada’s ranks, weaving Swan Lake’s dramatic creation process with intimate scenes from the subjects’ personal lives as they push toward one of the most significant opening nights in their company’s history.

Swan Song takes an intimate, character-driven approach to explore the impact of ballet’s culture on its artists. The film’s subjects challenge traditional ideals of race, class, and body type, confronting a discipline that has historically valued conformity and perfection. Yet, amid these struggles and sacrifices, the film captures the sincere love for ballet that drives Kain and the dancers in their effort to create something meaningful and lasting.

Remarkable…Raw, gorgeous, provocative, enlightening piece of art.” –The Globe and Mail