“The Rivals of Amziah King” is a unique experience. Its characters, narrative, creative mix of folksy and sinister elements, and blurring of good and evil make it different from anything I’ve seen—and exactly what I’ve come to expect from great independent filmmaking.
The film was not in competition at the 2025 South by Southwest Film Festival, yet it received a rare and enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd in Austin. And festival audiences know their stuff.
The film is described as both a “neo-western” and a “crime thriller.” Matthew McConaughey, always a chameleon, is Amziah King, a ruggedly handsome beekeeper with a biblical name and philosophical observations about nature and human nature. His wisdom about the bees he charms, the wayward people he shepherds, and the underdogs he champions reveals both his character and his heart.
The first half of the film establishes Amziah as a trusted and beloved member of a community that cares deeply for one another and for the rich culture and natural beauty surrounding them.
A precious relationship is rekindled when former foster daughter Kateri, played by newcomer Angelina LookingGlass, returns to the area. A talented young Native American singer and actor, LookingGlass brings a quiet vulnerability to the role. With gentle urging, Kateri finds comfort and belonging under Amziah’s watchful eye and thoughtful guidance.
Then the film takes a darker turn. Amziah’s business becomes the target of theft and malicious acts. An investigation reveals a pattern involving other family farms and businesses.
And another familiar face appears. Kurt Russell plays Dob McCoy, a wealthy landowner whose collection of businesses keeps expanding as distressed properties around him go on the auction block.
Kateri becomes the finder of truth—and the David facing a very powerful Goliath. Like Amziah before her, she finds the courage to fight for what she believes is right. But for Kateri, the line between justice and vengeance conveniently disappears.
The soundtrack is a character all its own. Amziah and his friends bond and commune through music, each contributing a unique instrument and voice to the whole. And although McConaughey’s character exits about halfway through the film, his philosophies, spirit and music remain part of the film right to the end.
“The Rivals of Amziah King” is rated R and runs two hours and 10 toe-tapping and tense minutes.
