To say that Jared Hess has cranked out some of the weirdest, most irreverent comedy in the past decade would be an understatement. We know that anything from the mind that brought us Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre is going to be full of strangely hilarious things that get funnier after every viewingâto say nothing of its devoted cast and the film’s weird world. All of which appears to be true in the trailer for Hess’ latest film, Don Verdean.
Sam Rockwell stars as the titular Don Verdean, a biblical archaeologist hired by a pastor played by Danny McBride to find holy relics. Fairly early on, it becomes abundantly clear that things won’t go as plannedânor that Verdean’s methods are all that above board. The cast is rounded out with some real comedy powerhouses, including Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), Will Forte, Amy Ryan (The Office), and Leslie Bibb.
It’s fairly apparent that the film pokes fun at American evangelical types, but if Hess’ previous work is any indication, it won’t be too heavy-handed or inflammatoryâif anything, endearment feels the most likely of anything.
Besides, with Hess at the helm of a screen shared by Rockwell, McBride, Clement, and Forte, is there really any doubt that this will be one of the better comedies of 2015? Lionsgate is planning distribution for a limted release on December 11, 2015 as well as video-on-demand services.
What do you think of Don Verdean? How do you think it’ll stack up against Hess’ previous work? Are you hoping for a Sam Rockwell dance number like we are? Let us know in the comments below!
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Images: Lionsgate