Don Verdean 2015

As the dusty tape reel spins, it showcases Don Verdean’s (Sam Rockwell) dubious archaeological escapades, revealing a trove of questionable discoveries and hearsay. The camera transitions to Verdean, passionately addressing a crowded church, where he boasts about his alleged finds, such as iron shears he claims were used to cut Samson’s hair. However, this moment of triumph is abruptly interrupted by a voice from the back, reading a scathing letter from the Israeli Antiquities Authority, condemning Verdean’s methods and lack of solid evidence, effectively undermining his claims.

In typical brash fashion, Verdean rebuffs the criticism, attributing it to Satan’s schemes and the Israelis’ efforts to hide the truth. He then unveils a book revealing a photo of himself with Nahum Ishalom, the author of the article. This revelation elicits applause from the attendees, including the previously skeptical letter reader. As the congregation disperses, Carol Jensen (Amy Ryan) is approached by a mysterious individual handing her a card for Tony Lazarus (Danny McBride), prompting a fascinating tale from Verdean about Lazarus’s miraculous transformation from a sinner to a saint after a near-death experience.

As Lazarus and Joylinda (Leslie Bibb) develop their ministry, Verdean visits Lazarus, who reveals his struggles with declining church attendance due to competition from a former Satanist leading a rival congregation. Verdean learns of Lazarus’s desire for a salt statue of Lot’s wife, which Verdean believes can reinvigorate attendance. He quickly contacts Boaz (Jemaine Clement), who is in Israel, and persuades him to locate the statue to ship back to the U.S. for Lazarus’s use.

When the long-awaited package finally arrives, the churchgoers are taken aback by a figurine that resembles a certain anatomical feature rather than the revered artifact Verdean had described. Despite the shock, Verdean humorously theorizes that it reflects Lot’s wife’s dual nature, which captures the congregation’s intrigue.

As this confusion unfolds, Verdean frantically pushes for the original statue from Boaz, while Pastor Fontaine (Will Forte) requests carbon dating on the statue. Verdean dismisses him, revealing tensions in both personal and professional realms, particularly as he and Carol delve into serious discussions about her son in prison for marijuana cultivation.

In the dynamic development of events, Lazarus pressures Verdean for more artifacts, prompting a search for Goliath’s skull. The trio ventures to Israel, but their excavation efforts are thwarted by the authorities, who demand permits or risk arrest.

As pressure mounts, Verdean devises a risky plan to steal the remains of Jonny Jerusalem, a deceased Israeli with gigantism, to pass off as Goliath’s skull. Following an intense escapade to unearth his dubious find, they are outed by a passerby who mistakenly photographs their endeavor.

Back in their hotel, Boaz confronts Verdean, and upon revealing their scam, tensions simmer as they navigate a web of deception, ultimately leading them to devise an audacious plan to trick a Chinese billionaire out of a fortune. However, trouble arises as a tracking device reveals their whereabouts to the authorities.

As Verdean’s world crumbles under legal scrutiny and betrayal, he confesses to Carol before being arrested. The narrative culminates two months later with a news report probing into allegations against Pastor Fontaine, setting the stage for Verdean’s evolution as he shares a moment with a familiar face in prison—foreshadowing potential redemption in a once tumultuous journey.