Matthew McConaughey on his sweet return to the big screen

Matthew McConaughey returned to the big screen with his role in the indie film "The Rivals of Amziah King," a honey-themed thriller set in the American Southwest. The Oscar-winning actor chose this movie for his comeback due to its joy, soul, humor, music, and mythology. Written and directed by Andrew Patterson, the film follows McConaughey's charismatic local honey producer, Amziah, who splits his time between tending his beehives and playing the banjo.

The 56-year-old Texan appreciated the characters' love for each other, their fights, and their use of music and humor to survive. Amziah, a guy who gives people belonging, helped people belong, and that's part of the thing. McConaughey had stepped away from movies after Guy Ritchie's 2019 dark comedy "The Gentlemen," focusing on writing his memoir "Greenlights." However, he made a brief appearance in "The Lost Bus" last year.

"The Rivals of Amziah King" tells the story of King, played by McConaughey, who reconnects with Kateri, a young Native American woman portrayed by Angelina LookingGlass, with the help of his late wife. As Kateri integrates into the community, King shares his leadership role with her while teaching her life lessons among the bees, communal dinners, and music. The film explores the honey industry's complexities and the challenges of being a strong Indigenous woman.

LookingGlass, the 22-year-old actress, was excited to play Kateri, a strong Indigenous woman who goes under the radar but bites at the end. She appreciated Patterson's intention to center the film around a Native American woman who uses her intellect and resourcefulness. Patterson, who developed the project after his acclaimed debut film "The Vast of Night" (2019), wanted to share the character with the world.

He was grateful to have McConaughey return to cinema after six and a half years. The movie opened in US theaters on Friday, delighting Patterson with the stellar talent returning to the big screen.