In the latest teaser for the musical romance flick The Swearing Jar, Adelaide Clemens is presented with a challenging romantic choice. Clemens plays Carey, a music teacher who hosts a birthday performance for her husband and reflects on the joys and challenges of their years together, including the birth of their kid and the falsehood that threatens their marriage, in this film by Lindsay MacKay (Wet Bum). As a result, she develops feelings for guitarist Owen (Douglas Smith), putting her in an awkward position before their impending on-stage romance. The performance serves as a backdrop throughout the video, and Carey breaks into a song about her romance with Simon (Patrick J. Adams).
Clemens’s beautiful voice sings over sweet moments between the newlyweds, including their reaction to the news that they are going to become parents. Something is odd about Simon, though, since he decides to keep from his wife a piece of paper he had planned to present her. Carey starts to question Simon’s sincerity as a lover and a confidant when her friend Bev (Kathleen Turner) describes how keeping secrets destroyed her marriage. The tape also reveals her developing romance with Owen. He becomes very interested in Carey, and the two of them soon develop such a close bond that Carey begins to feel guilty about the amount of information she has divulged to Owen but not Simon.
The possible loves of her life and the secrets that may destroy her marriage leave her feeling overwhelmed and confused. The Swearing Jar is based on Kate Hewlett’s critically acclaimed play of the same name (Malory Towers). The play premiered at the 2008 Toronto Fringe Festival and was an instant hit, receiving the Best of Fringe award and went on to get more recognition as the Outstanding New Play at the 2013 New York International Fringe Festival. Hewlett composed all of the film’s music together with her longtime friend Tim Williams (Brightburn).
Morris Ruskin (Glengarry Glen Ross) acted as executive producer, and producers Jane Loughman (All About Who You Know), Kyle Bornais (From the Vine), and Tony Wosk (Sorry For Your Loss) worked on the film. Loughman gushed on the film’s ability to blend musical and cinematic elements, saying that it showcased “a high degree of musicianship and musical prowess.”
We may safely call The Swearing Jar a hybrid film. It morphs between a musical, a comedy, a drama, and a love story. Everything said above applies. The music is a stunning addition. Kate, the multitalented dynamo that she is, has penned all the tunes. Tim Williams, a Canadian living in Los Angeles who composes, orchestrates, and conducts, was enlisted as an additional composer. We’re delighted to be adapting this lovely and accessible musical love story for the big screen.
The Swearing Jar is an outstanding chance to create a high-quality indie film that will attract a wide audience, move them deeply, and impress with its visual style and design. I’m thrilled to be working with AFI alumnus and filmmaker Lindsay MacKay and the incredible Adelaide Clemens, Douglas Smith, Patrick J. Adams, and Kathleen Turner on this beautiful picture. On September 23, The Swearing Jar begins its short theatrical release.