In the Fall of 2020, a financially struggling actor explores early Mormon historical sites as he anxiously awaits national broadcast for his Domino’s Pizza commercial. “Cash Cow,” directed by and starring Matt Barats, is an epic one-man comedy documentary overflowing with deadpan monologues and picturesque autumnal compositions — the film functions both as a hilarious road film and a deep-dive educational tour of the fascinating life of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. What begins as an attempt at a creative retreat in Vermont derails when a friend of the filmmaker pulls out of the trip at the last minute. Lonely and bored, Barats begins to look for area attractions. Coincidentally, he finds himself minutes away from the birthplace of Smith. He visits the site and so begins an excursion across the country following the life and revelations of the self-proclaimed prophet. Barats goals aren’t so lofty. He simply desires for the pizza commercial he acted in to air on TV, unlocking his “cash cow” payout. As the coronavirus ravages the nation, Barats can’t get an answer from his commercial agent when the spot will air. Making matters worse, a comedy friend is building a name for himself online as a lip sync content creator. His frustrations build to anger and before long, he’s resorting to desperate measures to give himself new life. Built as a series of woodsy dispatches from Vermont, upstate New York, and the midwest, the film is a slow-burn journey capturing several weeks of chilly nights, canned meals around campfires, and historical research, which captures Barats signature delivery in long-form vignettes. It’s a singular vision, uncompromising, amusingly redundant, intellectually sharp while playing the fool, and ultimately rewarding. -KA. Written & Directed & Shot by Matt Barats. Edited by Whit Conway. Produced by Matt Barats & Whit Conway. Music Composed & Arranged by Simon Hanes. Featuring Matt Barats, Bardia Salimi, Ana Fabrega, Brad Howe. Asst. Editing by Ian Faria. Audio Mix/Record by Matt Giordano. Additional Producing by Meg Murnane. Collage Art by Sierra Severson.