Sword of Trust

Name: Sword of Trust
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: July 12, 2019
Duration: 88 min
Rating: 70
Cast: Al Elliott, Dan Bakkedahl, Jillian Bell, Jon Bass, Lynn Shelton

2019

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 21 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Ratings

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7.0

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Ratings

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Sword Of Trust

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Movie Details & Credits

IFC Films | Release Date: July 12, 2019 | R

Starring: Al Elliott, Dan Bakkedahl, Jillian Bell, Jon Bass, Lynn Shelton, Marc Maron, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Michaela Watkins, Timothy Paul, Toby Huss, Whitmer Thomas

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 deceasedMel (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 deceased grandfather, he tries to get the better of them. The sword, however, comes with a convoluted report from Cynthia’s grandfather claiming the relic to be proof the South actually won the war. It isn’t long before the coveted “prover item” draws the attention of overzealous conspiracy theorists and the two duos have to join forces in order to sell the sword to the highest bidder. The journey that ensues takes the ragtag bunch on a tour through the deep South and the minds of the local fanatics who inhabit it. [IFC Films]… Expand

Director: Lynn Shelton

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy

Rating: R

Runtime: 88 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Lorry Kikta

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. Read full review

Ann Hornaday

Jul 17, 2019

There’s a low-key, lackadaisical charm about Sword of Trust that might lead viewers to mistake its modesty for lack of ambition. But there’s virtuosity at work in this beguiling comedy that’s no less impressive for being improvisational, understated and refreshingly self-effacing. Read full review

Glenn Kenny

Jul 11, 2019

The humor has a persistent goofy streak, but what sticks to the ribs is the poignant stuff. Read full review

IndieWire Eric Kohn

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. Read full review

Elizabeth Weitzman

Jul 11, 2019

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

John DeFore

Mar 9, 2019

Enjoyably shaggy ... Both [Maron] and [Shelton] seem happy to play to their fans in this modest outing, worrying little about straying beyond their comfort zones. Read full review

Emily Yoshida

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. Read full review

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User Reviews

AWESOM-0

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.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

marcmyworks

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.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DawdlingPoet

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 foundThis 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.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

TVJerry

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 misadventureA 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… Expand

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