Watch Swing State

Swing State is a 2017 independent comedy film directed by Jonathan Sheldon and starring Alex Beh, Arthur L. Bernstein, and Adam Falkoff. Set during the 2016 US presidential election, the movie follows the adventures of a group of young campaign volunteers working for a fictitious third-party candidate named Martin Belle (Bernstein) who unexpectedly gains traction in swing states.

The story is told from the perspective of Ethan Smith (Beh), a disillusioned young man who has just been fired from his job at a coffee shop and is looking for a purpose in life. He winds up volunteering for Belle's campaign, along with a cast of colorful characters, including a hot-headed conspiracy theorist (Falkoff), a hipster college student (Mindy Sterling), and a sarcastic political junkie (Sean Astin). Together, they hit the road in an old RV, traveling from one swing state to another, trying to drum up support for their underdog candidate.

As they crisscross the country, the volunteers encounter all sorts of obstacles and challenges, from hostile Trump supporters to bumbling local news reporters to Belle's own eccentricities. Along the way, they also learn some valuable lessons about democracy, friendship, and the power of individual action. The movie strikes a balance between comedy and drama, with plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.

One of the strengths of Swing State is its ensemble cast, which includes several veteran character actors who bring a lot of depth and nuance to their roles. Alex Beh is a likable and relatable protagonist, while Arthur L. Bernstein gives a convincing performance as the genial but slightly naive candidate who inspires the volunteers. Adam Falkoff steals many scenes as the paranoid and conspiracy-minded volunteer who provides much of the film's comic relief. And Sean Astin, in a smaller role as a disillusioned former Democratic strategist, delivers a poignant speech about the state of American politics that encapsulates the film's message.

Another standout aspect of the movie is its use of real-life events and settings to create a sense of authenticity. The film was shot during the actual 2016 election campaign, and features footage of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton making speeches and participating in debates. The characters visit real swing states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, and interact with real voters who have strong opinions about the election. This gives the movie a sense of immediacy and relevance that might be missing from a more fantastical or satirical treatment of the subject matter.

At the same time, Swing State also has a fantastical quality to it, with elements of a road movie and a buddy comedy. The RV that the volunteers travel in becomes a character in its own right, with its own quirks and challenges. The group encounters strange and quirky people at every stop, from a paranoid survivalist to a conspiracy-minded trucker to a high-strung TV host. And the volunteers themselves undergo a transformation as they bond and learn to work together, despite their differences.

Overall, Swing State is an entertaining and thought-provoking movie that offers a fresh perspective on American politics. It highlights the importance of grassroots activism and individual participation in democracy, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations of the political system. It's a movie that will make you laugh, but also make you think, and it's well worth a watch for anyone interested in politics or just looking for a fun and engaging comedy.

Swing State is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.9.