The Rivals of Amziah King: A Film Review

The world of beekeeping takes a dark turn in the movie “The Rivals of Amziah King.” In this cinematic tale, beekeepers engage in theft, sabotage each other’s hives, and deceive those around them. The title character himself cautions that the industry is not filled with kind-hearted individuals.

“The Rivals of Amziah King” attempts to juggle multiple genres, including Quentin Tarantino-style violence, a coming-of-age narrative, a heist, a revenge plot, and a musical-filled gathering. This mix of styles results in a perplexing experience that leaves viewers disoriented.

Matthew McConaughey stars as the titular Amziah King, bringing his signature charisma and Southern charm to the role. His presence immediately uplifts the on-screen environment. The film, penned by Andrew Patterson and James Montague and directed by Patterson, follows King, a honey producer, navigating rural Oklahoma. However, he leaves the movie unexpectedly halfway through, passing the focus to Angelina LookingGlass, a newcomer to the film industry.

Early scenes show King indulging in hearty meals, performing music with a local band, only to be interrupted by law enforcement who require his expertise. He becomes involved in investigating abandoned honey barrels valued at $250,000. The plot takes a darker turn when an industrial accident results in a gruesome injury, setting off a chain of rapid developments.

The film introduces LookingGlass as King reconnects with his former foster daughter. She is portrayed as a strong, composed character who receives life lessons and local wisdom from King. The bees symbolize community and cooperation throughout, though the script does so with heavy-handed writing.

The cinematography by M.I. Littin-Menz employs diverse styles, from static shots to frenetic close-ups, continuously shifting the visual tone. These choices may suggest a lack of confidence in the storyline’s ability to retain interest.

Winslow Bright’s music supervision fills the film with dynamic soundscapes, from loud choirs to banjo and strings. The soundtrack, including T Bone Burnett’s Americana songs like “Quill” and “Johnny Come Outside,” temporarily eases the viewer, only for the film to switch to violent scenes and reckless thefts.

The movie features strong performances by Kurt Russell as a local crime boss and Owen Teague as an ex-Marine skilled in orchestrating thefts. A particular theft from “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” highlights the challenge of capturing authenticity, something this film struggles with.

The filming mostly took place in Alabama, despite attempts to emphasize its Oklahoma setting. This contributes to the film’s lack of authenticity in both setting and storyline, leaving viewers with a less than sweet experience.

“The Rivals of Amziah King,” distributed by Black Bear, enters theaters on Friday. It carries an R rating from the Motion Picture Association for its use of language and graphic imagery. The film runs for 130 minutes and earns a rating of two out of four stars.