X

2019
R
IFC Films
1 h 28 m

2019
R
IFC Films
1 h 28 m

Summary Mel (Marc Maron) is a cantankerous pawnshop owner in Alabama who spends most of his time swindling customers while trying and failing to get his man-child employee Nathaniel (Jon Bass) to do any work. When Cynthia (Jillian Bell) and her wife Mary (Michaela Watkins) try to hawk a Civil War-era sword inherited from Cynthia’s recently decea...

Directed By: Lynn Shelton

Written By: Michael Patrick O'Brien, Lynn Shelton

2019
R
IFC Films
1 h 28 m

2019
R
IFC Films
1 h 28 m

Sword of Trust

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 21 Critic Reviews

70

User Score Generally Favorable Based on 13 User Ratings

7.0

My Score

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Where to Watch

Summary Mel (Marc Maron) is a cantankerous pawnshop owner in Alabama who spends most of his time swindling customers while trying and failing to get his man-child employee Nathaniel (Jon Bass) to do any work. When Cynthia (Jillian Bell) and her wife Mary (Michaela Watkins) try to hawk a Civil War-era sword inherited from Cynthia’s recently decea...

Directed By: Lynn Shelton

Written By: Michael Patrick O'Brien, Lynn Shelton

Where to Watch

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 21 Critic Reviews

86% Positive
18 Reviews

14% Mixed
3 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 21 Critic Reviews

86% Positive
18 Reviews

14% Mixed
3 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Jul 12, 2019

Sword Of Trust is one of the most well-written and acted comedies I’ve seen in quite some time and definitely the best I’ve seen so far this year. It has a high absurdity factor but simultaneously the set, costume, and production design is so life-like, you willing go along for this truly weird adventure that really only could happen in the south.

By Lorry Kikta FULL REVIEW

Jul 9, 2019

It’s a pleasure to see Shelton in her element again, guiding actors to places that feel unexpected yet authentic. Maron is an ideal match for her sensibility, and they make terrific scene partners, too. May this be the start of something special.

By Mike D'Angelo FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 13 User Ratings

69% Positive
9 Ratings

31% Mixed
4 Ratings

0% Negative
0 Ratings

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

User Reviews

User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 13 User Ratings

69% Positive
9 Ratings

31% Mixed
4 Ratings

0% Negative
0 Ratings

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Apr 22, 2020

This movie is awesome, very funny. Didn’t know much about Marc Maron until the show GLOW and with this performance as well, I’m a big fan.

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Nov 26, 2021

This is quite a fun, quirky indie type film. The plot is slow moving but the characters make up for that and the scenarios they find themselves in. It is mildly amusing (The mention of the 'toy room' certainly made me smirk) and it even has some mildly thought provoking moments - I found that surprising. It almost has a feeling of 'Little Miss Sunshine' about it, although I wouldn't say its as good as that film. Yes I'd recommend this film.

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Jul 17, 2019

Sword of Trust has a dogged weirdness all its own, a singularity that extends to Maron having written the excellently jangly score. When was the last time you saw — or heard — a movie where the star composed the music? It’s just part of the its-own-world quality of Sword of Trust.

By Mark Feeney FULL REVIEW

Jul 11, 2019

As with all of Shelton’s improv-inspired movies, the plot offers plenty of interest but the personalities provide the purpose.

By Elizabeth Weitzman FULL REVIEW

Mar 9, 2019

The movie’s lightweight plot yields a disposable comedy with a lot on its mind, but its modest ambition is just enough to let Maron push his onscreen appeal in a new direction.

By Eric Kohn FULL REVIEW

Jul 8, 2019

Marc Maron’s commanding aura of regret gives the film, despite its missed opportunities, an emotional center.

By Chuck Bowen FULL REVIEW

New York Magazine (Vulture)

Mar 9, 2019

Sword of Trust feints at being an Ideas movie, but really only wants to hang — which is certainly not a crime, but given the subject matter, and These Times, it’s a little disappointing.

By Emily Yoshida FULL REVIEW

See All 21 Critic Reviews

Nov 25, 2019

Sword of Trust is a decent enough film, featuring recognizable actors from a myriad of TV shows and using deadpan improved humour. Overall it works despite its simple plot that doesn't really go very far.

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Apr 21, 2020

A woman travels to Alabama to get what's left of her grandparent's estate. Her only inheritance is a sword that may have ended the Civil War in the South's favor (as a group of conspiracy theorists believe). She and her wife visit a pawnshop (run by Marc Maron) and the low-key misadventure begins. The cast is full of familiar faces and they do an OK job with what feels like lots of improvised dialogue. If it isn't, then co-writer/director Lynn Shelton didn't make the interactions sufficiently interesting to provide a fulfilling experience. There are elements of quirk in its low-budget approach that hold promise and make it mildly appealing

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See All 4 User Reviews

Details

Production Company Forager Films

Release Date Jul 12, 2019

Duration 1 h 28 m

Rating R

Genres

Website https://theplaylist.net/lynn-shelton-sword-trust-maron-20180529/

View All Details

Awards

Gijón International Film Festival

• 2 Wins & 3 Nominations

Traverse City Film Festival

• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

Sidewalk Film Festival

• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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