The highly anticipated film The Rivals of Amziah King is set to hit theaters this Friday after a long wait. Starring Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, the movie marks his return to acting after a five-year break from live-action roles. Directed by Andrew Patterson, known for his 2019 debut The Vast of Night, the project has been years in the making.
filming took place in 2023, but the movie didn’t premiere until spring 2025 at South by Southwest. It has since faced delays and is now finally set for release through Black Bear, its production company and distributor. While Patterson hasn’t discussed the delay much, he hints that this release feels well-deserved.
Despite other projects McConaughey worked on after filming The Rivals of Amziah King, which have already been released, his performance in this film stands out. The Texas-born actor plays Amziah King, a honey maker, born-again Christian, and bluegrass musician—charming yet mysterious with an air of longing. He is joined by Angelina LookingGlass as Kateri, who spent years living with Amziah as his foster daughter before life separated them. As adults facing crises, their connection brings them back together.