There’s nothing like uncovering the truth alongside a few guns, screwdrivers, and yes, an actual sword. Historical events are questioned and loom over a group of eclectic folks who are brought together by a ridiculous but amusing conspiracy theory.
Director and co-writer Lynn Shelton, known to incorporate heavy improvisation, brings another mumblecore dramedy based in Birmingham, Alabama. This film is not as invested in the intimacy of relationships as it is in Shelton’s other projects such as Your Sister’s Sister and Touchy Feely. What we have are Civil War conspiracies and ideologies that reflect the absurdity of our political climate in America.
Shelton doesn’t take this too seriously though; she doesn’t go so far as to try to make a bold or insightful political statement. She carries it with just the right dose of sarcasm, skepticism, and humor that balances out with the humanity of her characters. And her characters are a bold, wry, and peculiar sort of bunch who are brought to life through a talented cast that radiates with strong performances, especially from Marc Maron.
A Relic From Potential Crazies
There are several funny and endearing moments in this film. We’re introduced to Mel (Maron), a pawnshop owner. He’s wry and to the point (basically good ‘ol Maron) and often reminds his blundering shop assistant, Nathanial (Jon Bass) that he has to be of assistance. They both soon meet Cynthia and Mary (Jillian Bell and Michaela Watkins), a couple from out of town, who come to Birmingham to claim what’s been left from Cynthia’s deceased grandfather.
Much to her dismay, Cynthia has been left with a Civil War relic – a sword accompanied with authentication documents. There’s a confusing letter from her grandfather who claims that the sword and documents are living proof that the South won the Civil War.
Cynthia and Mary try to sell the sword to Mel who then finds a black market for it (right-wing, white supremicists) that’s willing to pay a high sum for the artifact. The film then turns into a mysterious and satirical ride with Cynthia, Mary, Mel, and Nathanial going to see what all this political blunder of a group is about…in a shady, carpeted van. And whether the money promised to them is even real.
Sword of Trust ruminates through things and people of the past who are still very much present in current life, for better or worse. Not only is the central plot element associated with events in U.S. history, but a distinctive thread that conjures up personal events and pain in its characters.
Cynic King–Marc Maron Steals The Show
One of these stories comes from Mel who shares his history with Dierdre (played by Shelton herself), an old flame who’s still around due to complicated reasons. It’s the most emotionally layered scene in the film, and Maron does a wonderful job delivering. He carries the scene with his usual sardonicism, but there’s an authenticity that seeps through it. It’s not passionate but practical, and he impressively draws empathy from it. Mel expresses years worth of pain; a pain that’s aged and matured, yet still haunts.
It’s definitely something that I haven’t seen before in Maron, who usually takes charge of scenes with a sort of grizzled burnout vibe and not to mention, a wryness that echoes in his voice alone on WTF with Marc Maron Podcast. While these characteristics are certainly still there, this time, there’s something that breaks, and it’s very sincere.
There’s a scene earlier in the film between Mel and Deirdre. There’s not much said or done between them, but you can feel all the pain, bitterness, and drama from the past years encompassed in that one scene.
Progression of Shelton’s Style Amid Questionable Politics
There’s no denying that the film is very much invested in it’s dialogue and the small nuances of the human experience. These have often permeated through several of Shelton’s films. They’re basically what makes her films original and uncomfortable to watch at times. We’re given a look at how people react and encounter awkward events and circumstances.
In Sword of Trust, it’s not so much an examination of the four characters in relation to each other. It doesn’t hold the same level of human intimacy as Your Sister’s Sister or Joe Swanberg’s mumblecore comedy, Drinking Buddies (Swanberg served as an executive producer on Sword of Trust). It’s more of an adventure film that goes after a potentially lucrative opportunity ingrained in skeptical theories of the Confederacy.
It brings together a group of folks who share a curiosity and fascination for shady (and potentially dangerous) underground, black market beliefs. Not to mention, the opportunity to get up close and personal with them.
The film also pokes fun at the numerous weird conspiracy theories that pervades through many minds of our society. And how people have the tendency to adjust who they are when dealing with specific people.
Sword of Trust: A Questionable Conclusion But Still Worth Applauding
As mentioned earlier, Shelton doesn’t immerse her film in serious political commentary. Although her satirical approach of it fares very well throughout the majority of her film, Shelton abandons it in the end. It’s a fizzled conclusion to say the least that has us a bit irked. We can’t help but to think and to have wanted something conducive to all the dry political elements – something to give the film a better payoff. But despite the dwindling ending, Sword of Trust still manages please us with delightful and memorable performances from a talented cast.
What is your favorite Lynn Shelton film? Please share by commenting below!
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