The Rivals of Amziah King (2026) is an American crime thriller written and directed by Andrew Patterson, known for The Vast of Night. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Kurt Russell, Angelina LookingGlass, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori.
Set in the remote backwoods of rural Oklahoma, the story follows Amziah King, a charismatic beekeeper, mandolin player, and local community figure who leads a bluegrass band made up of outsiders. When his long-estranged foster daughter Kateri returns to his life, Amziah sees an opportunity to rebuild their relationship.
He attempts to bring Kateri into his honey-making business, but the local honey trade hides a dangerous criminal world. As rival groups threaten his operation, Amziah is forced into a tense battle to protect his family, business, and chance at redemption.
Produced by Black Bear Pictures and Heyday Films, The Rivals of Amziah King premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 10, 2025. The film received a limited theatrical release on August 14, 2026, followed by a wide U.S. theatrical release on August 21, 2026.
The Rivals of Amziah King Age Rating
The Rivals of Amziah King is rated R for language and some grisly images. The rating reflects frequent strong profanity, disturbing crime-related visuals, bloody imagery, and intense moments connected to the film’s criminal conflicts.
Violence & Peril
The film contains strong thriller violence and disturbing imagery. The story includes criminal intimidation, physical confrontations, threats, and dangerous conflicts involving rival groups.
Viewers can expect scenes featuring bloody crime scenes, severe injuries, and grisly images connected to violent encounters. The movie focuses more on tension, danger, and consequences rather than nonstop action.
The rural crime setting creates a serious atmosphere with characters facing constant threats. Some scenes may be disturbing due to realistic depictions of violence and its aftermath.
Language
The Rivals of Amziah King contains frequent and pervasive strong language throughout the dialogue.
Characters use profanity during emotional confrontations, criminal situations, and tense conversations. Parents should expect repeated use of strong words across the film.
Mature Themes
The film explores mature themes involving crime, betrayal, family struggles, redemption, and violence within isolated communities.
The story includes criminal activity, dangerous rivalries, and characters dealing with past trauma. There is no major sexual content or nudity reported, but the mature crime themes and violent situations make it more appropriate for adult audiences.
Is The Rivals of Amziah King Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The film is not recommended for younger teens because of strong language, violent crime themes, and disturbing bloody images. The mature storyline may also be difficult for younger viewers.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens who regularly watch crime thrillers may understand the story, but parents should consider their sensitivity to violence, profanity, and intense criminal situations.
Ages 18+: Yes. The movie is designed for adult audiences who enjoy gritty crime dramas and character-driven thrillers.
Final Recommendation: The Rivals of Amziah King is best suited for viewers 17 and older, with parental guidance recommended due to violence, language, and disturbing imagery.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain that the film’s crime elements are fictional and discuss the consequences of violence and illegal activities.
- Consider watching the movie first if your teen is sensitive to bloody imagery or intense thriller scenes.
- Talk about the film’s themes of family, redemption, and difficult choices after viewing.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is The Rivals of Amziah King rated?
A: The Rivals of Amziah King is rated R for language and some grisly images.
Q: Is The Rivals of Amziah King suitable for teenagers?
A: The film is not recommended for younger teens. Older teens may watch with parental guidance because of strong language, violence, and disturbing crime imagery.
Q: Does The Rivals of Amziah King have violence?
A: Yes. The movie includes criminal conflicts, physical confrontations, threats, bloody crime scenes, and grisly images.
Q: How much bad language is in The Rivals of Amziah King?
A: The film contains frequent strong profanity throughout the dialogue, which contributes to its R rating.
Q: Does The Rivals of Amziah King contain sexual content or nudity?
A: No significant sexual content or nudity has been reported. The main mature elements are violence, crime themes, and language.
Q: Where can I watch The Rivals of Amziah King?
A: The film received a limited theatrical release on August 14, 2026, followed by a wide U.S. theatrical release on August 21, 2026.
Official Website: The Rivals of Amziah King