Swiss Army Man (2016) is one of the most unusual yet deeply heartfelt films of the decade. Blending surreal comedy with emotional drama, it examines loneliness, depression, imagination, and connection through a story that literally begins with a farting corpse. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (a.k.a. The Daniels), the film quickly gained a cult following for its bold storytelling.
Detailed Summary
A Man Ready to Give Up
Hank (Paul Dano) is stranded on a deserted island and prepares to end his life. Just as he’s about to do it, he finds a corpse washed up on shore. The corpse, named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe), becomes the most unexpected lifeline imaginable. Manny’s body twitches, makes noises, and eventually becomes useful in bizarre ways.
Manny the Multi-Purpose Corpse
Hank discovers Manny’s body can function like a survival tool: his flatulence can propel them across the water, his mouth produces drinkable water, and his body can start fires. Hank begins talking to Manny, who gradually shows signs of awareness. Hank teaches him about life, relationships, and feelings, explaining human behavior to someone with zero memory.
Friendship, Fantasies, and the Illusion of Reality
As they travel through the forest back to civilization, Hank and Manny’s bond deepens. Hank builds a makeshift world out of trash and foliage to explain love and relationships, even pretending to be a woman Manny likes. During this time, the film blurs the line between survival-based imagination and reality, hinting that Manny may not actually be alive, and Hank may be projecting everything.
Confronting Loneliness
The story gradually reveals that Hank was an isolated, socially anxious person even before getting stranded. Manny becomes a symbol of companionship he lacked in the real world. Manny encourages Hank to love himself and “fit in,” even when he doesn’t know how to act around people.
Movie Ending
Hank and Manny finally reach civilization. They stumble into a backyard belonging to Sarah (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), the woman Hank has been obsessed with and pretending to be in their role-plays. It is revealed that Hank never knew her personally; he had just secretly taken photos of her on the bus because he was lonely. Her husband and child are shocked when they discover him.
Authorities and Sarah’s family confront Hank, assuming he’s mentally unstable. Manny appears lifeless again, reinforcing the idea that Hank has imagined Manny’s sentience. However, Manny suddenly moves and farts loudly in front of everyone, shocking them. As Manny begins sliding back toward the ocean, Hank runs after him, desperately trying to prove Manny was real to him.
In the final shot, Manny propels himself into the sea using his flatulence, smiling as he goes, while Hank watches. Sarah’s father smiles too, suggesting someone actually believes Hank’s story, or at least understands his loneliness. The movie ends with an intentional ambiguity: was Manny alive? Did Hank hallucinate him? The film implies that even if Manny wasn’t “real,” the emotional connection was.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
There are no post-credits scenes in Swiss Army Man.
Type of Movie
This film is a surreal, black comedy-drama with absurd, fantasy-like elements. It uses bizarre humor not to shock but to express deeply human feelings about isolation, shame, and connection.
Cast
- Paul Dano as Hank
- Daniel Radcliffe as Manny
- Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Sarah
- Richard Gross as Sarah’s Father
- Timothy Eulich as Officer
Film Music and Composer
The score, composed by Andy Hull & Robert McDowell (members of the band Manchester Orchestra), is a unique combination of a cappella harmonics and emotional chanting. The soundtrack often echoes the characters’ thoughts, and some tracks even mimic Manny and Hank’s dialogue. The music supports the film’s bizarre yet emotional tone.
Filming Locations
- Shot primarily in California, including:
- Humboldt County forests
- Redwood National Park
- Beaches near San Francisco
These natural locations enhance the fairy-tale feel, reflecting Hank’s journey between isolation and connection. The shifting landscapes act as an emotional map of Hank’s mind.
Awards and Nominations
- Sundance Film Festival 2016
- Won: Directing Award (U.S. Dramatic)
- Independent Spirit Awards
- Nominated: Best First Feature
- Gained cult acclaim for originality despite polarizing reviews.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Daniel Radcliffe insisted on doing many of the corpse stunts himself.
- Paul Dano confirmed that he and Radcliffe developed a real emotional bond during filming, mirroring the characters.
- Radcliffe learned to control his breathing to appear convincingly dead for long takes.
- The Daniels were unsure if audiences would walk out, but festivals gave standing ovations.
Inspirations and References
- Inspired by the idea of a lonely person forming a friendship with someone who can’t judge them.
- Draws from childlike imagination mixed with dark emotional truths.
- Some critics compared its tone to Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry films.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- Early drafts had Manny remain dead throughout the entire movie, removing any signs of sentience, making the film purely psychological.
- A more explicit ending was considered where Hank is shown receiving mental health treatment, but it was rejected to keep the ambiguity.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Manny jet-skiing across the ocean using flatulence.
- Hank and Manny’s camp-built fantasy dates.
- Manny asking Hank genuine questions about life and love.
- The final beach sequence with Manny launching himself into the ocean.
Iconic Quotes
- “If you don’t know how to talk to people, just tell the truth.”
- “Maybe everyone is ugly. Maybe that doesn’t matter.”
- “I think your wang is awesome.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Hank’s trash recreations mirror his emotional needs.
- Manny’s childlike questions reflect things Hank was too ashamed to ask openly.
- Hank’s fantasies reuse objects seen in Sarah’s photos, showing he doesn’t know her—he only imagines her.
- The soundtrack literally spells out emotional themes through sounded lyrics.
Trivia
- Radcliffe called this “the best script I’ve ever read.”
- Many audiences walked out at Sundance during early screenings, but those who stayed gave major praise.
- The Daniels later became known for unusual emotional storytelling, culminating in award wins.
Why Watch?
Because Swiss Army Man is weird, bold, sincere, and unexpectedly beautiful. It explores shame, love, and loneliness through absurd comedy, reminding us that being strange doesn’t make us unworthy of connection. Its surreal logic leads to a surprisingly honest emotional truth.
Directors’ Other Works (Movies)
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
- The Death of Dick Long (2019) – Daniel Scheinert
- Turn Down for What (2014) – music video by The Daniels but influential visually
Recommended Films for Fans
- Her (2013)
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
- The Lobster (2015)
- I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
- The Art of Self-Defense (2019)
