Sword of Trust 2019
Directed by
Lynn Shelton
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Mel, the owner of a pawn shop in Birmingham, Alabama, juggles business with the less-than-helpful assistance of Nathaniel, who spends most of his time glued to conspiracy videos online. Amid their daily routine, Mary and Cynthia visit Cynthia’s deceased grandfather’s house to settle his estate, only to discover that due to a reverse mortgage, Cynthia will not inherit the property as they had hoped. Instead, they find an antique sword accompanied by a letter detailing its rich history. The letter reveals the sword once belonged to General Sherman during the Civil War and even claims that the Confederacy emerged victorious.
Fueled by determination, the two women head to Mel’s pawn shop, seeking to sell the sword. Mel initially offers them a mere $400, which they find insulting, especially after revealing a drawing of General McClellan’s surrender to Robert E. Lee. Skeptical, Mel advises Mary to leave her contact number in case he reconsiders. Meanwhile, Nathaniel stumbles upon a conspiracy video asserting that the South won the war, leading them to a potential buyer willing to pay up to $50,000 for such artifacts. Intrigued, Mel reaches out to Mary to entice her back, admitting that he has a buyer. They strike a deal to share the profits and send the buyer a picture of the sword.
The following morning, tensions rise as Hog Jaws arrives at the pawn shop, ready to make the purchase. Things take a turn for the worse when two men, intent on stealing the sword, confront Mel. Fortunately, Nathaniel and their friend Jimmy intervene, forcing the aggressors to flee. In a twist, Hog Jaws texts Mel with an offer of $40,000 for the sword, leading Mel to eagerly accept and secure transport to meet the buyer.
Arriving at the designated meeting place in Tennessee, they are met with the unwelcome return of the attempted thieves. As tensions heighten, Mel recognizes them from childhood, while a confrontation follows as Mary boldly pulls a gun on them. The moment escalates when Kingpin appears, driving the intruders away. Inside the farmhouse, Kingpin acknowledges that Mel and Mary doubt the notion of the South’s victory but tentatively agrees to purchase the sword.
The atmosphere becomes charged as Hog Jaws’s aggressive demeanor leads to a confrontation, prompting Mary to rally Cynthia to action. With a swift move, she knocks out the guard outside before disarming Hog Jaws, maintaining her composure in a high-stakes situation. Ultimately, Cynthia decides against selling the sword due to its sentimental significance, prompting the group to return to Alabama together. In a heartwarming gesture, Mel offers to pay for Deidre’s car repairs, leaving her with a thoughtful bag of provisions.
Timeline
Mel's Pawn Shop Introduction
Mel operates a pawn shop in Birmingham, Alabama, where he attempts to manage his business efficiently. However, he is often hampered by the distractions caused by Nathaniel, his assistant, who is more interested in conspiracy theories than helping customers. Their dynamic sets the stage for the unfolding events.
Cynthia's Inheritance Dilemma
Cynthia and Mary visit her deceased grandfather's house to sort out the estate, but they are met with disappointment. Due to a reverse mortgage, Cynthia will not inherit the property as expected, leaving them to search for a positive outcome from their visit.
Discovery of the Antique Sword
While exploring the house, Cynthia and Mary stumble upon an antique sword accompanied by a letter revealing its historic significance. The letter indicates that the sword once belonged to General Sherman during the Civil War, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to their find.
Selling the Sword to Mel
Driven by a mixture of excitement and desperation, Cynthia takes the sword to Mel’s pawn shop to sell it. However, Mel's initial offer of $400 is seen as an insult, especially after the women unveil a drawing that attests to the sword's historic value, leading to new negotiation dynamics.
Nathaniel's Discovery
As tensions rise over the sword's value, Nathaniel watches a conspiracy video that claims the South won the Civil War. This revelation sparks a critical change in the situation, as it opens the possibility for selling the sword at an even higher price.
Reconnecting with Mary
Intrigued by the potential value of the sword, Mel contacts Mary to express renewed interest in purchasing it. They agree to share the profits of a potential sale, solidifying their partnership in this unexpected venture.
Hog Jaws Arrives
The next morning, Hog Jaws arrives at the pawn shop, ready to finalize the purchase of the sword. However, his intentions quickly intertwine with an urgent threat when two men intent on stealing the sword appear, creating chaos in the shop.
Confrontation at the Pawn Shop
As the situation escalates, Nathaniel and their friend Jimmy step in to confront the would-be thieves. Their timely intervention forces the intruders to flee, showcasing the importance of friendship and teamwork in dire situations.
The New Offer
Hog Jaws surprises Mel with an offer of $40,000 for the sword via text message. Excited by the prospect of a significant profit, Mel eagerly accepts and begins organizing transportation to meet the buyer.
Meeting in Tennessee
The crew arrives at the designated meeting spot in Tennessee, but their plans take an unexpected turn with the return of the attempted thieves. The tension heightens as Mel recognizes one of the intruders from his childhood.
Mary's Bold Move
In a tense moment, Mary pulls a gun on the intruders, showcasing her bravery in the face of danger. The atmosphere shifts dramatically as conflicts unfold, leading to an unexpected intervention from Kingpin.
Kingpin Enters
Kingpin arrives at the scene, effectively driving away the intruders and adding an element of unexpected support for Mel and Mary. He discusses the uncertain nature of the South's victory narrative while tentatively expressing interest in buying the sword.
Cynthia Takes a Stand
As tensions mount with Hog Jaws, Cynthia gathers the courage to knock out the guard outside and disarm him. Her actions impress the group and shift the power dynamic in their favor, but ultimately lead to significant choices regarding the sword.
Decision Against Selling the Sword
Reflecting on the sword's sentimental value, Cynthia ultimately decides against selling it. With newfound resolve, the group returns to Alabama together, signifying a shift in their priorities and values.
A Generous Gesture
In a touching conclusion, Mel chooses to pay for Deidre's car repairs, providing her with a thoughtfully packed bag of provisions. This act of kindness reflects the growth of Mel’s character throughout the events of the story.
Characters
Mel
Mel is the pragmatic and somewhat cynical owner of a pawn shop, juggling the challenges of business and unexpected opportunities. His initial skepticism of the sword's value transforms into a more enterprising attitude as the stakes rise, revealing both his resourcefulness and underlying compassion.
Mary
Mary is a determined and assertive woman who, alongside Cynthia, seeks to honor her deceased grandfather’s legacy. Her bravery comes to the forefront during confrontations, showcasing her readiness to fight for what she believes in and her loyalty to friends.
Cynthia
Cynthia is portrayed as emotionally attached to her grandfather's estate and the sword they discover. Her ultimate decision against selling the sword underscores her values and emotional ties, reflecting a deep respect for family history.
Nathaniel
Nathaniel is a quirky sidekick, more interested in conspiracy theories than the pawn shop business. His obsession leads the group down a path of newfound potential, balancing between comic relief and an integral player in the unfolding plot.
Hog Jaws
Hog Jaws embodies the aggressive and opportunistic buyer. His confrontational nature escalates the tension within the story and serves as an antagonist, driving the need for Mary and her friends to protect not only the sword but their principles.
Setting
Time period
Civil War Era, Present Day
The story references the Civil War era through the antique sword that once belonged to General Sherman, while the main events occur in present-day America. This juxtaposition highlights the lingering effects of historical narratives on contemporary life and sparks discussions around legacy and value.
Location
Birmingham, Alabama, Tennessee
The movie primarily takes place in Birmingham, Alabama, a historic city known for its significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. It also features a crucial meeting location in rural Tennessee, which emphasizes the contrast between the urban pawn shop environment and a more secluded, rural setting. Both locations serve as backdrops for the unfolding drama surrounding the antique sword.
Themes
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History
The theme of history runs deep as the characters grapple with the implications of the sword's past. The film delves into how historical narratives can reshape identity and influence personal choices. The discovery of the sword leads to conflict and reflection on the impact of the Civil War, particularly the perception of victory.
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Conspiracy
A major theme in the film revolves around conspiracy theories, particularly the absurd claims of the South's victory in the Civil War. This theme is represented through Nathaniel's obsession with conspiracy videos, reflecting a society increasingly fascinated by alternative facts and the meanings we attach to history.
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Friendship
The bonds of friendship are tested and strengthened throughout the narrative. Mel, Mary, and Cynthia show resilience and loyalty, facing adversities together. Their journey highlights how friendships can be pivotal during life-altering events, especially when sentimental values clash with monetary gain.
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