70
Metascore
21 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloIt’s a pleasure to see Shelton in her element again, guiding actors to places that feel unexpected yet authentic. Maron is an ideal match for her sensibility, and they make terrific scene partners, too. May this be the start of something special.
- 80VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyThe considerable pleasure of Lynn Shelton’s latest “Sword of Trust” is that everyone onscreen is so good at this kind of [improv] work that one wishes more tightly scripted comedy screenplays had such savory dialogue, or inspired character conceptions.
- 75The PlaylistKimber MyersThe PlaylistKimber Myers“Sword of Truth” is full of seemingly effortless charms and quirks, but Shelton keeps it from overloading into full-on twee. This is a small film in every way: one that sometimes lacks precision, but its casual feel really works within its world and among its characters.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThe characters feel real, the situations not that-far-fetched, and the dialogue has the halting, fresh-picked life of improvisation, a tribute to the script by “mumblecore” mistress Lynn Shelton, who also directed, and Michael Patrick O’Brien of “Saturday Night Live.” No lie, it is laugh out loud funny.
- 75TheWrapElizabeth WeitzmanTheWrapElizabeth WeitzmanAs with all of Shelton’s improv-inspired movies, the plot offers plenty of interest but the personalities provide the purpose.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeEnjoyably shaggy ... Both [Maron] and [Shelton] seem happy to play to their fans in this modest outing, worrying little about straying beyond their comfort zones.
- 63Slant MagazineChuck BowenSlant MagazineChuck BowenMarc Maron’s commanding aura of regret gives the film, despite its missed opportunities, an emotional center.
- 60Rolling StoneDavid FearRolling StoneDavid FearMaron may not go wide in terms of range yet. But damned if he can’t go deep.
- 40New York Magazine (Vulture)Emily YoshidaNew York Magazine (Vulture)Emily YoshidaSword of Trust feints at being an Ideas movie, but really only wants to hang — which is certainly not a crime, but given the subject matter, and These Times, it’s a little disappointing.