andrew patterson

The script is well-crafted, taut, and heartfelt, but sharp and a bit twisted. Imagine Tarantino or Ritchie, but Southern, PG13, cozy, and with bees. There are some plot twists you might not expect, and it behooves viewers to just go with them. The Rivals of Amziah King goes through a number of head-turning stages before it reaches its conclusion, with some entertaining action set pieces that keep things exciting. It never loses its underlying message about community and tenacity in the face of adversity, all while maintaining the utmost respect for southern culture specific to Oklahoma. Best of all, when the lights come up, viewers will likely leave theaters with a smile, just as I did. This indie deserves to become the sleeper hit of 2026.

Even though the film is listed as a contemporary western crime thriller, the thrills don’t really start until halfway into the film (not counting the very early shock of a brutal, but comical accident early in the film). Yes, the first half is setting up the sense of community and camaraderie that serves as a foundation for the second half. But the first half might come across as wandering as well as a little twee and precious when it comes to the “jovial southerner” stereotype the film really hangs its hat on.