Sword of Trust is the eighth film from Director, Lynn Shelton and follows her signature improv-based style of movie making. The story follows Cynthia (Jillian Bell) and Mary (Michaela Watkins) as they head to collect Cynthia’s inheritance from her deceased grandfather, the only item he’s left her is an antique sword that he believed to be proof that the South won the Civil War.
Naturally, what does one do with such a precious antique? Why you try to pawn it, of course! Enter Mel (Marc Maron) and his socially inept sidekick Nathaniel (Jon Bass). The two men find a black mark on the sword and decide to get in on the gag, trying to sell the truther item to the highest bidder.
This is the first film I have seen from Shelton and I will definitely need to play catch up. It’s like if Christopher Guest went a darker and a little more subtle in the delivery of the its humor. The ensemble cast of Bell, Watkins, Maron and Bass had be rolling, especially with Maron and Bell’s expressions and delivery.
I have a huge fascination with conspiracy theories and cryptozoology, so getting a chance to watch a flick about people trying to prove the South won the Civil War was more than enough to get me to check out this movie and thankfully, I did! The level of dedication that comes with the belief that the entire world is wrong about something so well documented makes me want to listen to these theorist even more.
Shelton pokes fun at these theorists without being downright insulting to their believes, even when winking at the audience, “Can you believe these guys?” Think Antique Road Show meets Pawn Stars with a great deal of wry humor.
An added bonus is that Maron wrote all the music for this film, confirming that his talent is endless. I have been a fan of his comedy since I was in my tweens and continue to be impressed with out he has reinvented himself over the years from comic, to podcast host, to an incredible actor who definitely going to be Emmy-bound at some point.
This 89-minute movie doesn’t drag on; it gets to the point quickly as the chuckles and smirks come just as easily. They aren’t belly laughs, but filled with, “Ha ha, that was a good one,” moments.
Sword of Trust opens in select theaters July 12, 2019 and on demand July 19. 2019.
- Overall Score
Summary
Sword Of Trust is a dark comedy that pokes fun at conspiracy theories without poking too much fun at the theorists. It’s definitely a film that needs to be seen at least once this summer.
