First Trailer for ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’ Shows Matthew McConaughey in a Wild Bee-Filled Drama
The first trailer has been released for The Rivals of Amziah King, the new film from filmmaker Andrew Patterson, known for The Vast of Night. The movie mixes several genres together, including drama, music, and crime, and features Matthew McConaughey in a very unusual role as a beekeeper who also leads a bluegrass band.
The film is set in rural Oklahoma and follows Amziah King, a charismatic man who runs a successful honey business while also guiding a group of musicians.
According to the official synopsis shared by the production team, Amziah is a gifted and energetic figure who tries to balance music, family, and business all at once. Things take a turn when his estranged foster daughter returns, giving him a chance to rebuild their relationship and bring her into his world. But his business is not simple, and competition in the honey trade brings serious conflict.
The cast also includes Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, Tony Revolori, Owen Teague, and newcomer Angelina LookingGlass.
The film first premiered at the 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival, where it received attention for its unusual mix of storytelling styles. According to coverage from the festival, the movie includes musical moments where characters perform bluegrass songs in informal, home-style settings. These scenes are described as energetic and emotional, adding another layer to the story’s tone.
The same SXSW report also noted that McConaughey brings strong energy to his role, fully embracing the character’s charm and rough edges. The film was praised for its visual style, especially its depiction of the Oklahoma landscape, and for its focus on community and family themes.
The Rivals of Amziah King will be released in theaters on August 14 by Black Bear. The newly released trailer gives audiences a first look at its mix of music, drama, and conflict in a story that is both unusual and emotional.
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