On a quiet Monday night, March 10, 2025, the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, witnessed a rare spectacle as Matthew McConaughey’s latest film, The Rivals of Amziah King, received a standing ovation at its world premiere at the Paramount Theatre. The western/musical/drama hybrid, directed by Andrew Patterson, emerged as an unexpected highlight of the festival, captivating audiences and critics alike.
The film, which marks McConaughey’s third U.S. premiere at SXSW—following Lone Star (1996) and The Beach Bum (2019)—blends genres seamlessly, delivering a heartwarming yet unconventional story. According to Deadline, standing ovations are rare at SXSW, but The Rivals of Amziah King earned its applause with a narrative centered on Kateri, played by newcomer Angelina LookingGlass, who reunites with her former foster parent, Amziah King (McConaughey), after losing her mother. Under his mentorship, Kateri discovers hidden skills, takes over his beehive business, and faces a devastating situation, relying on newfound strength to seek justice.
The film also features Kurt Russell, Cole Sprouse, and Owen Teague, adding depth to its ensemble cast. Patterson, known for his critically acclaimed debut The Vast of Night, which won the Best Narrative Feature Audience Award at the 2019 Slamdance Film Festival, brings his signature storytelling to this WME sales title. Industry buzz suggests The Rivals of Amziah King could follow in the footsteps of SXSW’s 2022 Oscar-winning hit Everything Everywhere All at Once, positioning it as a potential Best Picture contender if a buyer seizes the opportunity.
Angelina LookingGlass, a Native American actor and singer of Oglala Lakota, Navajo, Seneca, and Kiowa Comanche descent, has emerged as a breakout star, her performance alongside McConaughey drawing praise for its raw intensity. As SXSW continues, the film’s unique blend of genres and powerful performances may cement its place as one of 2025’s most talked-about releases, proving once again that McConaughey’s “alright, alright, alright” charm remains unstoppable.
