The Rivals of Amziah King

In this boisterous ballad of the deep south, Matthew McConaughey is a banjo-playing professor of bees who reunites with his former foster daughter. A charismatic crime caper combining Coen brothers-style hijinks and charming musical interludes, this is a touching tale about what makes a place a home.

Deep within the backwoods of rural Oklahoma, charismatic and musically gifted Amziah King leads a bluegrass-playing band of misfits while overseeing the premier honey-making operation in town. When his former foster daughter, Kateri, suddenly reappears in his life, Amziah seizes the opportunity to reconnect and revive a family business. But the honey game is ruthless and Amziah’s rivals threaten to destroy everything he has built.

The second feature from writer/director Andrew Patterson, The Rivals of Amziah King combines revenge fable, family drama and heist movie while being melodically peppered with the rollicking music of T Bone Burnett and The Avett Brothers. Matthew McConaughey, in his first film role in six years, is magnetic with his trademark unassuming, laidback charm and newcomer Angelina LookingGlass shines as his foster daughter, destined to become Amziah’s successor and protector of his cherished bees.

This charming ode to the American South is an undeniable crowd pleaser that will make your heart sing.

Screening at Luna Leederville from August 20.