Swan Song: Naomie Harris on how she ‘created the magic’ with Mahershala Ali on set

Benjamin Cleary’s directorial Swan Song would mark the latest collaboration between Naomie Harris and Mahershala Ali after Moonlight. When it came to their new project together, Harris revealed how eager she had been to share the screen with Ali yet again.

In conversation with Variety, Harris revealed that although the two had been a part of Moonlight, they did not get to work with each other on the sets as much as they’d like to. It was after filming had been completed and the two had been on publicity campaigns together, that they had gotten to know each other well. Harris and Ali had both been nominated for Academy Awards for their roles in the film, with Ali winning.

Harris talked about how they both had similar approaches to acting, where they did not like to overthink their parts. Instead, they did their research into their roles separately and tried to emulate them in front of the camera. She called it ‘creating magic’ on screen. She also referred to Ali as a ‘phenomenal’ actor.

In Swan Song, Harris plays the role of Poppy, a young woman still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her brother and father, unaware that her husband is terminally ill.

Regarding her character, Harris recalls that she initially had difficulty identifying with her character, who she thought was weak. But while playing her, she’d realised that being vulnerable and loving with all of one’s heart took a lot more strength than she’d imagined.

Swan Song tells the tale of a terminally ill man who is given the choice to clone himself, to spare his wife the grief of his passing. The film will be released on December 17, in theatres and Apple TV+.