Matthew McConaughey Shows Off His Bluegrass Soul in New “Quill” Performance from The Rivals of Amziah King.
Matthew McConaughey has added another unexpected talent to his repertoire — bluegrass musician. In his upcoming film The Rivals of Amziah King, hitting theaters on August 14, the Oscar winner not only acts but also sings and plays the mandolin, delivering a warm, spirited performance that has already captured fans’ attention.
First trailer for ‘THE RIVALS OF AMZIAH KING’, starring Matthew McConaughey and Kurt Russell.
The crime thriller follows a man who oversees the top honey-making operation in town, but everything he has built is soon threatened.
In theaters on August 14. pic.twitter.com/Ss0jXp6nuS
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 11, 2026
A Beekeeper, a Band Leader, and a Music Man
In Andrew Patterson’s mystery‑thriller‑comedy, McConaughey stars as Amziah King, a charismatic beekeeper living deep in rural Oklahoma. Amziah isn’t just the town’s honey expert — he’s also the driving force behind a ragtag bluegrass band made up of local misfits and friends.
The film blends atmospheric storytelling with musical authenticity, giving McConaughey room to explore a new artistic side. His performance feels grounded, intimate, and surprisingly natural.
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“Quill” — A Music Video Hidden Inside a Movie
A newly released clip doubles as a full music video for “Quill”, a song originally by The Last Bison. The scene features McConaughey and Ben Hardesty on vocals, Owen Teague on violin, and additional harmonies from Miranda Zickler, Andrea Pister, and Angelina LookingGlass.
The setting is simple — a dining room, warm lighting, friends gathered around — but the energy is electric. Midway through the song, McConaughey grins and chants, “We’re not done yet, we’re not done yet,” coaxing LookingGlass (who plays Kateri, his former foster child) into joining the performance. It’s a moment of pure Americana: spontaneous, communal, and full of heart.
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A Genre‑Blending Film with a Strong Cast
The Rivals of Amziah King premiered to strong reviews at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival, praised for its unusual mix of mystery, humor, and musical storytelling. The cast includes:
- Kurt Russell
- Cole Sprouse
- Scott Shepherd
- Tony Revolori
Patterson, known for The Vast of Night, once again leans into atmosphere and character-driven tension, but this time with a musical twist.
Soundtrack Released by Lakeshore Records
Lakeshore Records has officially released “Quill” as part of the upcoming soundtrack. The album will feature McConaughey and other cast members performing songs from respected bluegrass and folk artists, adding authenticity to the film’s rural setting.
Premiere on August 14
Black Bear Pictures will release The Rivals of Amziah King in theaters on August 14. If “Quill” is any indication, audiences can expect a film that not only tells a compelling story but also sounds unforgettable.