What if there was an item that could prove that the Confederacy won the Civil War? If you are in possession of such an item, you may want to sell it for a pretty penny because in today’s political climate, even if the item isn’t real proof, people will believe it and do anything in their power to get it. And hell, that would be the basis of a really fun comedy, right? Lynn Shelton’s “Sword of Trust” sure thinks so.
In the new trailer for the film, which premiered at this year’s SXSW, four people come into possession of an old sword that may or may not be proof that the South won the Civil War. And after word gets out that this sword exists, people come out of the woodwork to get their hands on the item. And considering the type of people who would want to prove that the South won, you can only imagine the hijinks that ensue.
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“Sword of Trust” is the latest film from director Lynn Shelton, who is best known for films like “Hump Day,” “Your Sister’s Sister,” and “Outside In.” The film stars Marc Maron, Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Jon Bass, Toby Huss, and Dan Bakkedahl.
“Sword of Trust” will arrive in select theaters on July 12 before hitting VOD on July 19.
Here’s the synopsis:
This riotously funny, improv-based eighth feature from acclaimed director Lynn Shelton (Outside In, Your Sister’s Sister, Humpday) is filled with her trademark insight and humanism while slyly exploring our increasingly divided culture of conspiracy theories and revisionist history. When Cynthia (Jillian Bell, 22 Jump Street) and Mary (Michaela Watkins, “Casual”) show up to collect Cynthia’s inheritance from her deceased grandfather, the only item she’s received is an antique sword that he believed to be proof that the South won the Civil War. The two attempt to unload the object to a curmudgeonly pawnshop owner Mel (Marc Maron, “GLOW”) and his man-child sidekick Nathaniel (Jon Bass, Molly’s Game). When Mel and Nathaniel discover there’s a black market for the relic, the two pairs reluctantly join forces to sell this rarefied ‘prover item’ to the highest bidder. The adventure that ensues takes the four of them on a wild journey into the depths of conspiracy theory and Southern disillusionment. Anchored by a hilarious and emotionally raw performance from Maron (who also wrote and performed the music), Sword of Trust is a sharp, unexpected ensemble comedy with Shelton’s authentic take on the complexities of interpersonal relationships on full display.