In Lynn Shelton’s latest film, Cynthia (Jillian Bell) inherits a very unique object when her grandfather dies: a sword with an apparent connection to the Civil War. “What you are looking at,” her partner, Mary (Michaela Watkins), tells a pawnshop owner, “is a genuine relic that supports the actual truth, which is the South won the war.” “Seems like pretty big news,” the shopkeeper, Mel (Marc Maron), deadpans in a new trailer for “Sword of Trust.”
Mel is dubious of the sword’s history but is more than willing to play along with Cynthia and Mary when he finds out a similar Confederate item is worth up to $50k. “Is this ‘Antiques Roadshow’ for racists?” he wonders upon finding a YouTuber who’s a little too interested in Civil War paraphernalia.
The potential payday is enough for him, Cynthia, Mary, and his employee (Jon Bass) to embark on a weird journey full of collectors and history deniers. “Let’s just be on the same page,” he clarifies, “we’re just trying to sell this thing for a lot of money and that’s that.”
It was recently announced that Shelton will be stepping behind the camera for Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington’s upcoming Hulu series “Little Fires Everywhere.” She’ll direct four of the Celeste Ng adaptation’s eight episodes as well as exec produce. Shelton’s TV credits include “GLOW,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” and “The Good Place.” “Outside In,” “Laggies,” and “Humpday” are among her features.
“Sword of Trust” made its world premiere at SXSW in March and opened the Seattle International Film Festival in May. The improv-based comedy” hits theaters July 12 and will be available on VOD July 19.
