Matthew McConaughey has chosen a honey-themed thriller titled 'The Rivals of Amziah King' for his return to the big screen, set in the American Southwest, after being absent from cinema for over five years.
The Oscar-winning actor told AFP that what attracted him to the independent film was: 'Joy, soul, humor, music, poetry, mythology, original time, place, and space.'
The film, written and directed by Andrew Patterson, tells the story of a charismatic local honey producer, played by McConaughey. He balances caring for beehives with playing banjo in a folk group of friends and neighbors.
The 56-year-old Texas resident noted: 'I knew these people. I liked how they loved each other. I liked how they argued with each other, I liked how they cared for each other. I liked how they used music and humor for survival.'
He continued that Amziah is a person who 'truly, deep down, gives people a sense of belonging, helps people feel like part of something, and that is part of the essence.'
Although this wasn't the initial reason, he added: 'But looking back, I think: 'This is a good thing that can be shown to the world and shared with people.' '
Strong Indigenous Woman
McConaughey stepped away from acting after Guy Ritchie's film 'The Gentlemen' was released in 2019, focusing instead on writing his memoirs 'Greenlights.' Although audiences saw him last year in 'The Lost Bus,' he filmed after the completion of 'The Rivals of Amziah King.'
The story, unfolding in the American Southwest, blends crime, comedy, musical, and drama genres. King's life takes on new meaning when he reunites with Cater—a young woman of Native American descent whom he took under his wing many years ago along with his late wife, and who is played by Angelina Lukingglass.
Through life lessons learned among the bees, shared dinners, and music, King not only helps her gradually integrate into the community but also passes on his guiding role. However, the young woman soon realizes that the world of honey is not as sweet as it seems.
For Lukingglass, this role proved ideal. The 22-year-old actress told AFP: 'I really enjoyed playing her.' She added that many might underestimate her just by looking at her because 'they wouldn't expect what she does. She is a strong indigenous woman, and this person who goes unnoticed but then bites at the end.'
This 'bite' was an intentional decision by Andrew Patterson, who developed the project after his acclaimed debut film 'The Vast of Night' (2019). Patterson told AFP that he wanted to make a Native American woman the central figure of the film, one who 'never gives up on anything.' He explained: 'She just uses her intelligence and resourcefulness. And I was happy to put such a character into the world. It literally became the seed of the idea that made me want to go, and then the character Amziah appeared after that.'
The independent filmmaker mentioned that McConaughey was not initially in his plans, adding Kurt Russell to the cast. He recalled: 'I was just a guy in Oklahoma, writing scripts, making small films. It meant nothing. There was no way it would get to him. And over several years, the people who supported my career, I think we were spiritually on the same path. It was impossible to know that this would happen.'
Patterson expressed gratitude that the film will be released in US theaters on Friday and was pleased that it happened with such star talent. He said: 'I am flattered that I can bring Matthew back to film after six and a half years.'
