Swiss Army Man

| 2016

Directed by: Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

Main Plot

"Swiss Army Man," directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, follows the story of Hank, a man stranded on a deserted island and on the brink of suicide. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a flatulent corpse washed ashore. Naming the corpse Manny, Hank finds that Manny possesses bizarre, multifunctional abilities that aid in his survival. As they journey together through the wilderness, Hank forms an unusual bond with Manny, who slowly begins to show signs of life. Through their surreal and often humorous adventures, Hank confronts his own loneliness and insecurities, ultimately finding a renewed sense of purpose and hope. The film blends elements of dark comedy, fantasy, and drama to explore themes of friendship, isolation, and the human condition.

Characters

  • Paul Dano plays Hank, a stranded man who befriends a flatulent corpse, using its bizarre abilities to survive and find his way back to civilization.
  • Daniel Radcliffe plays Manny, a corpse with unusual abilities, who helps a stranded man survive and find his way back to civilization.
  • Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Sarah Johnson, the woman Hank is infatuated with, whose photo on Manny's phone drives much of the plot's emotional and motivational elements.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "Swiss Army Man," directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the protagonist Hank, played by Paul Dano, is discovered near civilization after being stranded on a deserted island. Throughout the film, Hank has formed a unique bond with a flatulent corpse named Manny, portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, who exhibits various supernatural abilities. As they reach the outskirts of society, Hank's sanity is questioned by onlookers, including Sarah, a woman whose photo Hank had been obsessing over. The climax occurs when Hank, now in the presence of Sarah and others, demonstrates Manny's abilities, which initially seem unbelievable. Despite the skepticism and concern from the crowd, Manny's powers become evident as he propels himself back into the ocean using his flatulence, leaving everyone in shock. The film ends with Hank watching Manny disappear into the sea, suggesting a blend of reality and fantasy. This ambiguous conclusion leaves viewers pondering the nature of Hank's experiences and the boundaries between imagination and reality.

Daniel Kwan Daniel Scheinert Comedy Drama Fantasy Paul Dano Daniel Radcliffe Mary Elizabeth Winstead