Sword of Trust

The final film from the late writer/director Lynn Shelton (Your Sister's Sister) takes a light-hearted, enjoyably absurd look at conspiracy theory culture. The plot sees Cynthia (Jillian Bell) inheriting an antique sword from her racist grandfather, who considered it proof that the South were the real victors during the American Civil War. Deciding to flog the relic to "truthers" for a hefty sum, Cynthia and her girlfriend (Michaela Watkins) team up with jaded pawnshop owner Mel (Marc Maron) and his indolent assistant (Jon Bass) to find the right buyer. Shelton directs with a gentle hand and appears in a small but poignant role as Mel's drug addict ex-girlfriend. There's a natural, improvisational quality to the characters' getting-to-know-you interactions, with the group tangling with some majorly shady types as they wade further and further out of their depth. Although the premise feels stretched, the script (co-written by Michael Patrick O'Brien) is smart and often very funny, and the film's affability is enhanced immeasurably by the charm of its cast.