The Rivals of Amziah King
| The Rivals of Amziah King | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Andrew Patterson |
| Written by | Andrew Patterson |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | M.I. Littin-Menz |
| Edited by | Patrick J. Smith |
| Music by |
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Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Black Bear Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 130 minutes[1] |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
The Rivals of Amziah King is a 2025 crime thriller film written and directed by Andrew Patterson and produced by Black Bear Pictures and Heyday Films.[2]
It had its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 10, 2025 and will be released theatrically in the United States by Black Bear Pictures.[3]
Synopsis
Kateri's life takes a tragic turn as she loses her mother and leaves foster care. Reuniting with her former foster parent, Amziah, changes everything: he becomes her mentor, revealing hidden skills when a devastating situation arises. Kateri relies on her newfound strength to seek justice.
Cast
- Matthew McConaughey as Amziah King[4]
- Angelina LookingGlass as Kateri[5]
- Kurt Russell[6][7]
- Cole Sprouse[5]
- Owen Teague[5]
- Scott Shepherd[5]
- Rob Morgan[5]
- Tony Revolori[5]
- Jake Horowitz[5]
- Catherine Dyer as Mrs. McCurdy
- Jason Davis as Winton
- Sandra Ellis Lafferty as Brenda
- Harris Stone as Ross Crown
- Bruce Davis as Sunderland
- Derrick Goodman Jr. as Potluck Dinner Attendee
- Sharon Blackwood as Juanita
- Chip Carriere as Wenyon Amos Stone
- Tony Mareno as OSBI Agent
Production
Andrew Patterson wrote and directed the film with Black Bear Pictures financing the film and Heyday Films serving as a production company. Producers are David Heyman, Teddy Schwarzman, Michael Heimler, Jeffrey Clifford, Will Greenfield and Patterson.[8]
In July 2023, it was reported that Kurt Russell was cast in the film.[9][10] The cast also includes Rob Morgan, Scott Shepherd, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague, Tony Revolori, Jake Horowitz and Angelina LookingGlass.[11]
Filming occurred in Alabama during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike in which SAG-AFTRA granted the filmmakers an interim agreement to allow principal photography to occur during the strike.[12]
In August 2023, it was announced that filming wrapped in Alabama.[13][14]
Release
It had its world premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 10, 2025.[15] In August 2025, Black Bear Pictures announced that they would release the film themselves theatrically through their new U.S. distribution division, with a release date to be announced.[3]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 97% of 31 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.0/10.[16] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 65 out of 100, based on 8 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[17]
References
- ^ "The Rivals of Amziah King". South by Southwest. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ Rubin, Rebecca (May 8, 2023). "Matthew McConaughey to Star in Crime Thriller 'Rivals of Amziah King'". Variety. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
- ^ a b "Matthew McConaughey's 'Rivals of Amziah King' Eyes U.S. Release". deadline.com. Retrieved August 28, 2025.
- ^ Lane, Keith (May 19, 2023). "Matthew McConaughey thriller to film in Alabama". WPMI-TV. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g Grobar, Matt (June 11, 2024). "Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague & Five More Join Matthew McConaughey In Black Bear Thriller 'The Rivals Of Amziah King'". Deadline.
- ^ Sapp, Savannah (July 20, 2023). "Kurt Russell spotted filming on a rural road in Albertville". WAFF (TV). Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Garrison, Greg (July 26, 2023). "Kurt Russell makes movie magic in Mulga, the town that time forgot". Al.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (May 8, 2023). "Matthew McConaughey To Star In 'The Rivals Of Amziah King' From 'Vast Of Night' Filmmaker Andrew Patterson – Cannes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 9, 2023.
- ^ Bailey, Mary (July 21, 2023). "Kurt Russell makes acting appearance in county". The Sand Mountain Reporter. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Specker, Lawrence (July 20, 2023). "Kurt Russell tears up Alabama dirt road as Matthew McConaughey movie films". The Dothan Eagle. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (June 11, 2024). "Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague & Five More Join Matthew McConaughey In Black Bear Thriller 'The Rivals Of Amziah King'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
- ^ Flanagan, Ben (July 18, 2023). "Matthew McConaughey movie still shooting in Alabama despite Hollywood strikes: Here's why". Al.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Rajput, Priyanca (August 7, 2023). "Matthew McConaughey's The Rivals of Amziah King wraps production in Alabama". KFTV.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Flanagan, Ben (August 3, 2023). "Matthew McConaughey movie wraps production in Alabama". Al.com. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 5, 2025). "SXSW Rounds Out 2025 Film Lineup: Jacob Elordi Pic 'On Swift Horses' Closing Fest; Jillian Bell's 'Summer Of 69' Making World Premiere". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ "The Rivals of Amziah King". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
- ^ "The Rivals of Amziah King". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved March 13, 2025.