The Rivals of Amziah King Review: The best film of 2026
Ever since I heard Cody Leach's thoughts on this movie, I've had endless hype for it. I placed it as my most anticipated movie of 2026. Well, other than Doomsday, which is kind of a cheap and unfair shoo-in. His review had it shoot above so many films I was excited for... Spider-Man 4, You Me & Tuscany, Masters of the Universe, Hunger Games 5, Ready or Not 2, Cold Storage, Resident Evil... there were just way too many bangers I was excited for this year, and just his words alone made this my #2.
He billed it as a film that never quite fit cleanly into any genre. I'd personally classify it as a Southern Gothic neo-western music drama thriller. It starts slow-paced, but the genre-blending action ratchets up more and more. So, did this movie live up to my perhaps incessantly irrational hype, or did it collapse under its ambition? That's what I, Brighton Nelson of The Reel Ranker, will discuss in today's article. Thanks so much for joining me today, and I hope you enjoy your time on the site!
I'll get some quick flaws out of the way first. First, I think the segue between the first and second half could've been done a bit better. I think the film could've had a more Parasite-adjacent paradigm shift, ratcheted up the tension more, and kept the second half as engaging as the first. The first half is so beautiful and whimsical that, by comparison, the second half is just a near-masterful thriller with a wild car chase, morally gray choices, and thrilling investigations. Most movies want to be that, yet this film is just more. The first half is one of the best things ever put to the big screen, and the second half doesn't quite get there. The only other little flaw, other than having more tension in the second act? Angelina LookingGlass having to carry the second half alone. Now, hear me out: anyone clowning on her acting? I disagree. That's not what I'm saying here. I'm just thinking Kateri needed more character work so she'd be more interesting to follow in Act 2.
Those tiny Act 2 gripes aside, I'd still call Act 2 a 9.25 out of 10: this movie is practically all positives. I mean, this movie is one of the most magical, masterful, and memorable films. Yes, of all-time. This film might not be my favorite of the year so far (it's second), but it's the one I'll recommend most and the one I'll buy for people's birthdays for years to come.
From the very beginning, the approach to camerawork and cinematography is some of the best I've seen in my life. The method in which the camera captures shots with freeze-frames, the way it emphasizes the techniques of Southern bluegrass, the manner in which it colors something most people dislike (bees) as a beautiful creation of "the grace of the one crucified"? It took my breath away. I've seen nothing quite like it, and I'm sad to say I likely never will again.
After the camera prowess quits making the local diner look like a Michelin Star restaurant, we hear the first notes of bluegrass music. Very few films can holistically capture the power of music and how it affects those who play it. This film does it with excellence. The score and soundtrack better get Oscar nominations, or I might lose my faith in humanity itself. Every note captures the moment's emotions better than almost any other film I've watched. It's on a whole other plane of proficiency, and the composers—Erick Alexander, Jared Bulmer, and Ben Hardesty—are all quite the musical geniuses. As for the first two, this is only their second score in seven years, and that's as much a crime as the fact Andrew Patterson isn't getting unlimited funding for everything he makes, because all of them deserve it. And that's an understatement.
The film's atmosphere is all-encompassing—it balances a dark, thrilling crime underworld with the sunny-side-up aspects of the apiary world. It captures the exuberance of the South, revering it in its flaws and strengths. This is a rare depiction of the South that feels put together with love, not stereotypes. Every scene feels feasible, and each person feels like someone you have met or could meet.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 99%
Letter Score: S+
Star Ranking: 5 out of 5
The Rivals of Amziah King is funny, nigh on diabolical, morally gray, multi-faceted, heartfelt, heart-wrenching, grounded yet mythical: like a tall tale. This film is, in all its genres and quirks, livelihood incarnate. It has unmistakable soul, and while not quite my favorite movie of the year so far, it's my second favorite, and I'd say it's the best.
Interested in checking out some recent reviews for some other thriller, music, crime, dramas, and Western films? See them below!
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
Brighton Nelson
Enjoy this review? Stay tuned for more articles from The Reel Ranker! Enjoy video games, music, or books? Check out our sister site, RPG Ranked, Mr. Maestro, and Brighton's Bookshelf, respectively!
