
Swans 2011
Hugo Vieira da Silva's contemplative 2011 drama Swans follows a father's quiet journey through Berlin as he grapples with his ex-partner's sudden coma and the emotional weight of caring for their teenage son, Manuel.
Director: Hugo Vieira da Silva
Cast



Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swans (2011) about?
Swans dives into the emotional aftermath of a woman's coma, as her ex-partner and their teenage son, Manuel, confront their grief in different ways. Manuel seeks escape through skateboarding while his father confronts the physical toll of aging, all set against the stark backdrop of Berlin in winter.
Who directed Swans?
Swans was directed by Hugo Vieira da Silva, a filmmaker known for his introspective and visually driven storytelling.
Who stars in Swans?
The film features Kai Hillebrand, Ralph Herforth, Maria Schuster, Vasupol Siriviriyapoon, and Eva Kryll in its central roles.
Is Swans (2011) worth watching?
Swans is a thoughtful, atmospheric drama that may not cater to all tastes due to its slow pace, but it offers a poignant exploration of grief and transformation. Its quiet intensity and strong performances make it compelling for fans of character-driven cinema.
How long is Swans?
Swans has a runtime of 121 minutes.
About Swans (2011) — A Father's Quiet Struggle in Berlin's Winter
Hugo Vieira da Silva's contemplative 2011 drama Swans follows a father's quiet journey through Berlin as he grapples with his ex-partner's sudden coma and the emotional weight of caring for their teenage son, Manuel. Without words or movement to ease his mother's absence, Manuel escapes on his skateboard, navigating the city's winter streets while confronting the turbulent awakening of adolescence. Meanwhile, the father confronts the physical aches of his own aging body, each man processing loss in isolation yet bound by shared silence. This meditative film explores the collision of youth and maturity, the fragility of human connection, and the unspoken bonds that linger even in stillness.
Set against Berlin's stark, icy backdrop, Swans is a sensitive portrait of grief and growth, where the human form—both in motion and at rest—becomes a canvas for raw emotion. The story's quiet intensity lingers long after the credits roll, offering a deeply human look at how people endure when words fail them.