Swiss Army Man is a very unique film, and also one that I am conflicted on. It features great acting, some incredibly interesting ideas, and good chemistry between the leads. However, it’s really held back by it’s desire to be ponderous and pretentious.

This movie is about a man named Hank stuck on a deserted island. One day, just before he is about to hang himself, a dead body washes up on his shore. Upon closer inspection he realizes the dead body (played be Daniel Radcliffe) has strange powers, such as being used as a jet ski, an oxygen tank, a lighter, or even a machine gun. Later in the movie, the dead body, named Manny, also begins to talk. Using Manny, Hank tries to get back to civilization.

Let’s start with what’s good about this movie. For starters, the acting. Both leads are very good. Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe really come across as being buddies with each other. It’s one of this movie’s greatest assets, as the chemistry between them is exceptional and really holds the entire experience together. Some of the ideas featured in this movie are also very unique and original. Some of Manny’s powers are genuinely funny and interesting to watch. Particularly the grappling hook by pulling on his arm, or the lighter by snapping his fingers together. If this movie was purely a comedy, I think it would’ve been really great. But unfortunately, it also tries to be a social commentary on societal norms.

Throughout the movie, Manny constantly asks questions about love, and what’s considered weird by society. The movie seems to be trying to say that we should all shed our societal norms about what’s considered weird or rude. Now, having a message in a movie isn’t a bad thing at all. But, this movie has some of the most pretentious speeches since “Mr. Nobody” with Jared Leto. They’re also constantly happening throughout the movie, and frankly it gets annoying after a while. If Swiss Army Man could maybe be less blunt and in-your-face about its delivery of this message, it could’ve been a really good movie. Because the potential is absolutely there with this film, but the pretentiousness really holds it back.

I see why some people like this film so much. And I would recommend watching it as it’s entertaining at points, and I liked it overall. But still, this movie could’ve been so much better if it could get over itself and stop trying to talk about life so much.