⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (OUT OF 5 STARS)

William Shakespeare’s legend is almost as enthralling as his extensive work as one of the world’s most prolific and famous playwrights. Novelist Maggie O’Farrell taps into the family’s mythology with her 2020 book that addresses the grief experienced after the tragic death of their 11-year-old son Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). Her fictional account unpacks the world the family lived in as Shakespeare developed his career in London during this era. 

Academy Award-winning writer/director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) explores the beautiful and heartbreaking relationship between William (Paul Mescal) and Agnes (Jessie Buckley) in Shakespeare’s work. Despite opposition from their families, the pair developed a bond that endured through the trials and tribulations of that era. As their three children were born, Agnes worked to keep the family together as William worked in London at the Globe Theatre. The love shared by the couple and their children buoyed them through life until Hamnet died from plague. An event that drove a wedge through each familial relationship while inspiring William to write one of the most celebrated stage productions of all time. This homage to his son would prove to be a salve for the grief experienced by all of the family and allows the Shakespeares’ son to live on throughout history.

Jessie Buckley proves that she is one of the best actresses of this generation with a multi-layered, emotionally charged performance that sets a standard for all who come after her. Paul Mescal continues to grow from strength to strength as he humbly embodies the famed bard, but his work pales in comparison to that of his co-star. Yet, as the relationship unfolds with minimal dialogue and physical intensity, Chloé Zhao proves why she is a celebrated director, drawing outstanding acting from every cast member. Despite the minimalist setting that is best when it ventures into the surrounding wilderness, the attention remains on the central cast. Emily Watson proves her value as support, and each child provides the poignant components to showcase why Maggie O’Farrell’s story is brought to cinematic life. 

Hamnet is affecting, visceral, and long-lasting. The closing scene should be studied as a lesson in filmmaking that brings together the brilliant writing, acting and emotion. Fictional or real, this tale of a mother’s grief will wrap around your soul and tap into feelings that have lain dormant for years that need to be released from the locked rooms of the heart.

Reel Dialogue: We All Mourn Differently

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

You may have thought these words were penned by William Shakespeare, but it might surprise you to know that they can be found in the Bible. 

Death can be a sombre topic and should be handled respectfully. Still, it can also provide discussions of hope and assurance. Especially when Jesus is incorporated into the discussion, because through his story, he can prove that death does not have to be something to fear. 

Through Jesus’s work, His followers can be assured of where they will spend eternity, and this can provide hope for their future. He is the conqueror of death and gives an answer to the inevitable question, ‘What happens after we die?’ It is a better answer than any tree monster, other religion, or philosophy can offer. 

Passages to consider on the topic: Matthew 10:28, John 11:25, John 14:1-3

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

Marty Reisman was considered one of the most recognisable table tennis players in history. A champion, an Olympic medal winner and consummate showman in the American traditional hardbat style of the game. Yet most people have never heard of him, except that writer/director Josh Safdie (Uncut Gems) saw enough in this unique athlete’s life to loosely base his film on it.

Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet) is a hustler with one goal: to become the world table tennis champion in the 1950s. Nicknamed Marty Supreme, his charismatic personality and evident skill with the ping-pong paddle got him to Europe to face the world’s best in the game. In his wake, he has left Rachel Mizler (Odessa A’zion) and wealthy, retired actress and socialite Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow) to pursue his quest for fame and fortune. Yet upon returning home to New York, the realities of his choices leave Marty to decide what to do with the mess he left behind.

Not since Forrest Gump has so much attention been given to the world of table tennis. Josh Safdie and Timothée Chalamet’s production puts enough backspin on Marty Reisman’s story to make you yearn to know what’s going to happen to this train wreck. A character who draws you into the story like any good hustler with his charisma and charm, but once you’re in, you quickly determine that you’ve been swindled. Initially, things seem like a tale of inspiration and overcoming the odds to achieve greatness, until this young man proves to be the most narcissistic and unappealing character in cinema.

This is not to deny the production quality, as each cast member gives their best to invest in their roles, which centre on a ping-pong-playing egoist. Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, and Tyler Okonma come along for this less-than-inspirational sporting story as they support Timothée Chalamet’s commanding performance. His commitment to learning the sport and playing was captivating. Still, there is hope that the story will deliver a forehand that propels this story arc back into something to be redeemed or edifying, but like any hustle, most parties involved are left with nothing of value in the end. A tale that has so much going on, outstanding efforts from all involved, but little to say and even less to celebrate as the credits roll.

Marty Supreme serves up a story of a young athlete with focus and drive, then delivers a topspin that leaves the audience feeling cheated by a hustle they didn’t expect or want. The quality of the film is undeniable, but the end result lobs the most insipid and selfish character of the year on screen. Not sure this is the legacy Marty Reisman would hope would be spun about his life.

What Do You Do With Selfishness?

Once the paddles had been laid on the table, the film left us with a discussion of selfishness, but, as mentioned before, there were surprising key attributes of some characters. As they were being set up for celebration, one attribute of their human character stood out. The reality of Marty Mauser’s life was that he had a strong personal drive that caused tension in all his relationships.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others – Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB)

In this passage from a letter from the Apostle Paul, he compares selfishness to “empty conceit.” Selfishness can also be translated as vanity, arrogance, or merely having an overly high opinion of oneself. The opposite of selfishness is found in another letter from the writer of much of the New Testament, Philippians. He says that being united with Christ, having tenderness and compassion, being like-minded, having the same love, and being one in spirit and purpose is where you can find the solution to selfishness.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5 STARS)

Women’s boxing can split the room among sports fans when it comes to the entertainment value it offers in the world of hand-to-hand combat. Yet if one woman were at the forefront of this sport and set the standard, it would go on to deliver for its fans, as Christy Salters (Sydney Sweeney) did. Animal Kingdom writer and director David Michôd brings the boxer’s story to the big screen, showing how fame and fortune can come with a cost, even when the athlete loves what they do.

Christy Salters grew up in Itmann, West Virginia, in the 1980s, and discovered she had a gift for boxing. Her skills catch the attention of a local promoter, who suggests she consider training under James Martin (Ben Foster), who sees the potential in this untrained fighter. As Christy trains and rises in the ranks of the burgeoning female boxing community, she must wrestle with her sexual identity and decide if she should get in a romantic relationship with her trainer. Once she gets the attention of mega-promoter Don King (Chad L. Coleman), the boxer’s career and the niche market for women’s boxing begin to take off. As her star rises, the champion starts to see that her husband/trainer is holding her back from her potential and her secret personal desires.

Sydney Sweeney delivers a career-best performance that plays against standard glamorous roles for which she is known. The Euphoria actress puts in the necessary hard yards as a boxer to be convincing in the boxing silks. She taps into the darker side of Christy Salters’ life, and her unexpected co-dependency on her abusive husband is played with disturbing effectiveness by Ben Foster. Their journey makes for compelling cinema for those fascinated by this sector of boxing and the history Salters played in getting women’s boxing on the map.

Unfortunately, the film’s biggest weakness is the personal character of Christy Salters. Understandably, her family history, the nature of the sport and her closeted sexuality play a contributing factor in her personality and demeanour. Still, as numerous characters in the film mention, she is hard to like. Despite Sydney Sweeney’s best efforts, there is little to like about the boxer, and the film’s attempts to make her story sympathetic and engaging fall short. In the end, Christy feels like a gut-punch at every turn of this story. Admittedly, she developed a resolve that can be otherworldly at times; this can’t make up for her lack of appeal as a person or as the central character of a movie.

Pride Causes A Knock-Out Punch

As this film unfolds, a familiar phrase will play in the minds of anyone who has watched the boxing pre-fight ritual. Christy Salters is the epitome of someone whose own hubris has taken over her life. Not that anyone deserves to be abused or rejected by their family. Still, her story proves that no one seems immune to the reality of the proverb, regardless of how successful life may be for the individual.

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18 (NLT)

Many may not know that this is a Biblical concept and that it lies at the root of mankind’s original sin. Every person, barring one, in history has or will succumb to this nasty human trait that remains at the heart of all of humanity’s failings. This metaphor for the human condition proves that pride is the problem in the story and that the escape from this vicious counterpart can only be found outside of ourselves. Even though the disastrous nature of pride is introduced in the Bible, this book also provides the means of escaping its influence. Humility is the antithesis of the vicious cycle of pride, exemplified by the person of Jesus.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition [rivalry] or conceit” – Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

The cinematic landscape of 2025 has been a testament to Hollywood’s resilience. Following the aftermath of last year’s strikes, studios faced a noticeable hobbling in producing content, leading to some challenging seasons.

Yet, amidst this new reality, several films have truly stood out—both on the big screen and at home.

The Changing Tides Of Hollywood

As we eagerly await the full repercussions of the Netflix/Warner Bros. merger, the industry’s release strategy is clearly in flux. This year confirmed that the best cinematic experiences are no longer confined to one platform: Some of our top-rated films were found on streaming services. The cinema, however, still provided many excellent and memorable offerings.

Reel Dialogue’s Best Of 2025

While we wait for a few more end-of-season releases, the Reel Dialogue team is excited to share our favorites of the year and the best films in specific, crucial categories:

Blockbusters

The biggest, most spectacle-filled films that caught our eye the box office.

Family Films

The movies that captured the imaginations of all ages and provided perfect family viewing.

Films For Faith & Conversation

The stories that most effectively start a ‘Reel Dialogue’ about film, faith, and meaning. We look forward to sparking a great conversation with you.

Reel Dialogue’s Blockbuster Favourites Of 2025 (Not In Any Order)

• Hamnet
• F1 – The Movie
• Black Bag
• Wake up Dead Man
• Zootopia 2
• Train Dreams
• Predator: Badlands
• Roofman
• A House of Dynamite
• The Ballad of Wallis Island
• Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
• The Count of Monte Cristo

Best Family Films

• Zootopia 2
• The Bad Guys 2
• Kangaroo
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Elio
• How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
• David

Best Films For Reel Dialogue Conversations

• Wake up Dead Man
• Hamnet
• The Life of Chuck
• The Unbreakable Boy
• Tinā
• The First Hymn
• Train Dreams

Did we miss any? Send us your thoughts… Who knows we might even add it into our list (or not).

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

A musical, animated adventure for the whole family!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

When it comes to Biblical figures, after Jesus and Moses, the most recognised and celebrated individual would have to be David. His story is one of legend, and people of two faiths look upon it to this day with special admiration. Angel Studios has leaned into this hero of the faith by following up their recent Young David series with a unique musical take on the warrior king. 

Based on the accounts in the books of Samuel, David (Brandon Engman/Phil Wickham) is introduced as the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd who was unexpectedly anointed as the next king of Israel. He becomes a folk hero for bringing down the Philistine champion, Goliath (Kamran Nikhad). Yet, as he grows in stature and legend, he fights and sings his way into history as the man after God’s own heart.

For fans of the Young David series and those who cherish films like The Prince of Egypt, David will satisfy your need for Biblical historical entertainment. Directors Phil Cunninham and Brent Dawes lead a team of animators who deliver a beautiful canvas to depict this season of the young hero’s life. For those who know David’s background, he was one of the biblical characters known for his musical prowess and strong leadership skills. This component of his background makes him a natural choice for a musical telling of his life. Songs and numbers that complement the storyline and will appeal to all who have enjoyed Disney’s retelling of classic tales, with notable musical scores to bring these characters to life. 

Actual theologians and even the armchair variety may take some issues with the timelines and accuracy of David’s years. While this may only be a short portion of his life, there are some noticeable exclusions and artistic license taken to move things along for the sake of a musical narrative. Still, none is offensive enough to detract from the Biblical messaging being offered to audiences through this animated adventure. People should encourage people to study the accounts of David, Saul and his family for themselves as they listen to the soundtrack in the background. 

David is a beautifully told account of one of Israel’s most celebrated kings and a hero of the faith. The animation is on par with any major film studio, and the musical score will provide excellent options for families on the ride home from the cinema. An animated account of history that is worth discovering for yourself in the words of the Bible to see the truly amazing story of this shepherd king’s life. 

What Should Parents Know About David?

Like The Prince of Egypt, this musical account adds an artistic spin on a familiar and celebrated Bible character. Go for the entertainment and then don’t miss out on the conversations that are to follow. By leaning into the story of courage, family, and commitment to God, this movie stands out as unlike any other animated film of recent memory. 

Why? Because it is based on a real historical figure, albeit imperfect, who is worth studying and knowing more about the God he served. 

Acts 13:22 – “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ 

Where can you find the story of David?: 1 SAMUEL & 2 SAMUEL

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

Where life is flawless and the drama is low-calorie.

When people choose films like A Little Women’s Christmas, they are looking for sweetness, a touch of hope, and to escape the realities of the real world. This upcoming release is a contemporary, faith-based reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic novel. A streamlined and glossy rendition that could be described as vigorously heartwarming. This retelling looks like those beautiful Christmas cards that depict this season as saccharine-sweet and will appeal to the devoted fans of this genre.

In this modern version, Jo March (Jillian Murray) is a celebrated children’s author who is attempting to rebrand as a Young Adult writer. She is challenged to go home to Tennessee for the holidays, hoping to be inspired by her family. In this world, there are fewer flaws and more perfect settings for love to flourish and for each sister to succeed. Meg, Beth, Amy and their friend Laurie are all there in an atmosphere where everyone gets their Christmas wish.

Not to say there isn’t romantic tension; this narrative element comes in the form of Jo’s editor, Fritz (Trevor Donovan), who is meant to babysit the author until she completes the book. The predictable but necessary twist is that he lies about his identity, pretending to be a travel writer. A story that is reminiscent of smelling Christmas cookies being baked in Grandma’s oven. That sweet aroma comes only this time of year, and the charm of these baked goods might make you forget about the woes of the world for a time, as romance and Christmas carols get added to the mix.

A Little Women’s Christmas is one more modern reworking of the March sisters’ lives and relationships. While they struggle without ever really tipping into genuine despair, the familiarity will appeal to those looking for the saccharine-sweet truth of the genre. In this world, where everyone’s skin is flawless, everyone has the perfect wardrobe, and no one seems to have ever worried about the credit card bill that inevitably comes in January. The rendition of Alcott’s classic tale offers viewers an escapist fantasy, polishing the rough edges to give it that idyllic Christmas shine.

Can We Find Faith at Christmas Time?

A Little Women’s Christmas is set in the world of faith-based themes. As the bond between the sisters is framed as a spiritual “cord of four strands,” their local community outreach genuinely depicts the Christian heritage behind the holiday celebrations. Unlike many Christmas movies that lean into gift-giving and Santa Claus, this story provides a wholesome choice for viewers to actively seek out the message of Christmas.

Does Jesus get a mention? Not overtly, except in song and church references. Still, this Christmas romance allows the audience to suspend reality and simply relax. This film takes a classic story, wraps it in the most beautiful of Christmas papers imaginable, and hands it to you with a big bow.

Don’t let this aspect distract you. For this, we recommend looking for the true meaning of Christmas by engaging with the stories of Jesus’ birth in Luke.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5) 

When Hollywood gets a hold of the afterlife, more often than not, they get it wrong, especially as they attempt to appeal to a majority of faiths opposed to picking a lane. Interestingly, writer/director David Freyne expects his lead character to choose one eternity. As we travel into this review, we will take a look at the quality of filmmaking while engaging with the confusing and hopeless reality on offer from this film of a heavenly forever. (Yet, read the full review to find a hopeful alternative from Reel Dialogue.) 

The concept is fairly simple: Joan Cutler (Elizabeth Olsen) passes away and enters the Junction, a waiting room before her eternal existence. The twist in the tale is that her two husbands preceded her in death and awaited her arrival to join them in their own version of heaven. Luke (Callum Turner) was her first husband, who died in the Korean War after a short marriage. Larry Cutler (Miles Teller) was Joan’s second husband, who had enjoyed 65 years together before their passing. The challenge is that Joan can spend eternity with only one of her husbands, and she has to choose which one.

As a film, Eternity is sweet, engaging and at times, hilarious. This celestial love triangle is compelling, with Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner bringing the necessary chemistry to make the tension and passion palpably beautiful. Each actor delivers the essential devotion, emotion, and pain, creating layers that could make any solution appealing. Beyond the central cast, John Early and Da’Vine Joy Randolph are where the comedy comes in like an angelic force as the trio’s Afterlife Coordinators (AC). Yet the appreciation for marriage and the yearning for an eternal existence with their loved ones will draw the audience into this quirky journey, despite the confusing interpretation of the afterlife. The quality of filmmaking and storytelling is undeniable and one worth seeing. Still, there are some problems we need to address. 

For those looking for an accurate interpretation of heaven, hell and accountability in this romantic comedy, you will be disappointed regardless of your faith position. In their attempt to appeal to every view of life after death, the film’s creators only end up offending or misinterpreting opposing views. As a Christian, there is much to be known of eternity that we can find in the Bible, while there is much we will only truly understand upon arrival in God’s Promised Land. Still, this film falls short of offering a satisfying view of life after this one. As a viewer, if you want accuracy in how heaven is depicted; give this movie a pass. For all those who are looking for an entertaining, imaginative story that will touch the heart and embrace the beauty of marriage, this celestial tale will fill the bill. 

Eternity has so much to offer as a creative take on the standard romantic comedy. One for the romantics of the world who yearn to find a story that will make them appreciate their loved ones eternally. Admittedly, the theological elements are woeful and make this journey unnecessarily confusing, rather than offering hope for life after death. As they push their characters to choose one eternity, they leave them with a less-than-hopeful choice. Still, this is a film that will bring a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and should inspire the hardest of hearts to seek out those they love, to hold them tight, in appreciation of all they mean in this life.

Reel Dialogue: Let’s Talk About Heaven and Hell

After watching a film like Eternity, the question of heaven and hell inevitably arises. How do you explain something so ethereal with any confidence? Most people would rather be asked about the birds and bees instead. Yet, it is not a topic to avoid. 

Most experts say to be direct, use clear language and acknowledge that it is even hard for most people to understand. 

For those from the Christian faith, you can share that heaven is a real place and there is room for anyone to be there after they die. Then this opens the door to talking about Jesus. He is the one who makes all of this accessible, since belief in Him is the way to secure an eternal place in heaven. The makers of Eternity would have you think there are many roads to heaven, but all this does is lead people to more confusion than answers. The God of the Bible is not one of confusion, even on a big topic like the afterlife. 

His answers point towards hope rather than bewilderment. Take comfort in knowing that God provides us all the answers within the Bible. Where it is, how to get there and why you would want to choose to go there. 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

John 14:1–7 (NIV)

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (OUT OF 5)

Wicked has kept audiences spellbound for over two decades, and the faithful have been waiting for the second act to materialise in cinemas. Director John M. Chu brings this magical realm back years after the events in the first act. The question is whether it can capture the same spirit that reimagines L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

After Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) is exiled from Oz, she becomes public enemy number one. Despite her attempts to expose the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), the Emerald City’s citizens remain faithful to their leader with the help of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) and Glinda the Good (Ariana Grande). Upon the announcement of Glinda’s engagement to Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey), tensions in the community escalate, and the animals and munchkins are treated as enemies of the people. All of these events lead Elphaba to take drastic measures to bring down the Wizard as an unlikely foursome enters the land who just want a heart, a brain, courage, and to get home.

After the powerhouse closing of the production’s defining anthem, Defying Gravity, everything that follows may feel second best. Yet, for those familiar with the stage production, the following act has enough twists and turns to keep audiences captivated through to the end of Baum’s reworked classic. As this journey weaves together the events surrounding Dorthy’s fateful adventure on the yellow brick road with the story of friendship lost and found between the two witches, things take unexpected paths. As this episode does all it can to tie off the multitude of loose ends, some moments drag, but not enough to derail the overall experience.

Wicked: For Good does its best to let both lead performers showcase their talents, even though the songs are more connective tissue than grandiose powerhouse tunes. There are so many things happening in this film that everyone on and in the audience must do their best to keep up with to find satisfaction in the many-sided finish. The biggest challenge this movie will face is comparison to the first chapter as it brings this story home, which it eventually does in magically creative ways proving it is a great finale to a beloved series.

Magical Friendships

Do your personal relationships help you move towards your goals in life? Yet, how much of your time with friends is meant for your benefit, and when is it for the other person’s advantage?

‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ – Mark 12:31

At the heart of this story, inspired by L. Frank Baum, is a depiction of the value of friendship. On one side is the depth of these relationships and how we need to look beyond our own needs. On the other hand, we can see the value of friendship within the dullness of life and how someone’s presence is as significant as their words.

Humans are designed for community and friendship. Each of these needs work and commitment that forgives selfishness and pride, while seeking a richer connection with those we love.

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5)

In the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, a small, independent sci-fi film titled The Vast of Night was released quietly on Amazon Prime Video.

It subtly introduced a new filmmaker, Andrew Patterson, onto the scene. For those who stumbled across the film, he immediately became a rising talent to watch. His latest film premiered at the SXSW festival earlier this year, followed by its international debut at the Melbourne International Film Festival. And this beekeeping blast of energy is going to continue to build louder and louder, the more people see it. 

The film opens on Amziah King (Matthew McConaughey), the unofficial mayor of his rural Oklahoma community. Southern charm personified, he works as an apiarist (beekeeper) but spends his spare time jamming out bluegrass tunes with his ragtag group of buddies and hosting potluck lunches. When his former foster daughter, Kateri (Angelina LookingGlass), suddenly reappears in his life, Amziah seizes the opportunity to reconnect; however, his plans to teach her his trade hit a roadblock when his beekeeping rivals put the family business at risk.

On paper, The Rivals of Amziah King shouldn’t work as well as it does. A beekeeping drama? A revenge-fuelled heist? With bluegrass musical moments scattered throughout? Yet in Patterson’s hands, these disparate threads come together in an intoxicating whole. What emerges is part Americana folktale, part operatic morality play, and part barnstorming thriller (or should that be hivestorming!). The result is a sprawling cinematic epic that absolutely enraptures. Tonally, the film strikes a remarkable balance. At times, it is joyously humorous, eliciting laughs with a kind of folksy, lived-in wit, and some darkly violent yet comedic moments that immediately establish the film’s confident presence. But beneath the laughter lies a current of grief. Director Andrew Patterson doesn’t shy away from sorrow; instead, he embraces it, weaving it into the story’s very DNA. The result is a tapestry of emotion—revenge and reward, pain and healing, loss and renewal—played out against the backdrop of a carefree but tight-knit community that is not immune to exploitation from corrupt capitalists eager to squeeze every dollar out of their varied investments. 

Matthew McConaughey, as Amziah King, inhabits the character with effortless ease. There’s such a warmth to his performance, as though he were born to play this role. McConaughey has long thrived in characters who straddle the line between charisma and complexity, and here he brings both qualities to full bloom. Amziah King is both larger-than-life and profoundly human: a man tethered to the values of family, land, and honour, but with an obvious cheek. Watching McConaughey inhabit the role is to watch an actor fully in his element. 

And yet—astonishingly—it is not McConaughey who dominates the screen. That honour belongs to Angelina LookingGlass. In a revelatory performance, she electrifies every scene she enters, commanding attention with confidence, vulnerability, and sheer magnetic presence. Her character’s driven determination to accomplish the tasks before her infuses the film with urgency and soul. The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, offering glimpses of life in a Southern community seldom represented on screen. There’s a lived-in authenticity here and Patterson’s attention to cultural detail is meticulous, yet never patronising. He presents the South not as a caricature, but as a vibrant, complex world of contradictions—joy and pain, generosity and greed, resilience and vulnerability. 

The film’s heartbeat, however, is its music. The bluegrass-infused score is nothing short of transcendent. Fiddles, banjos, and harmonies rise and fall like the tides, carrying the audience through crescendos of joy and valleys of lament. At times, the music feels almost liturgical—songs of grief and hope woven into the fabric of the story. The soundtrack is not merely accompaniment; it is a narrative force in itself, underscoring the themes of community, legacy, and renewal. 

Finally, what is most remarkable about The Rivals of Amziah King is its ability to fuse the mythic with the everyday. Patterson crafts sequences of sheer cinematic spectacle—grand heist set pieces, gorgeously shot rural landscapes, and pulse-pounding confrontations—yet grounds them in intimate emotional realities. The big moments dazzle, but the small ones linger. It’s a film that manages to be both epic and personal, sweeping and tender.

Reel Dialogue: What Does True Justice Look Like?

In The Rivals of Amziah King, the titular rival’s actions cause a cascading series of retributive acts that ultimately show that payback can only go so far. Revenge can only accomplish so much, but true healing and hope emerge when generosity supplants greed, and community prevails over isolation. It’s a needed reminder that true justice isn’t about retribution, but about restoration. 

This is one of the very core ideas that sits at the heart of the Gospel. God is a just God. He is well within His rights to judge our sins and hold them against us. But His mercy on the Cross means that Jesus takes our place. He faces the retributive justice we deserve for our sins. And as a result of His loving sacrifice, we are restored to a healed and hope-filled relationship with God.

“But God Demonstrates His Own Love For Us In This: While We Were Still Sinners, Christ Died For Us.” Romans 5:8

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied (Movie Publicity – Supplied and Used With Permission)

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (OUT OF 5)

We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. – The Schuyler Sisters, Hamilton: An American Musical (Also, a quote from The Declaration of Independence)

The American Revolutionary War may have been relegated to history books by many in our world. Yet, with the right choreography, hip-hop beats and lyrics, the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton has exploded across screens this month. All thanks to the arrival of Hamilton: An American Musical on the streaming platform Disney+. Lin-Manuel Miranda wears a multitude of hats in this production. The multi-talented artist plays the Treasury Secretary and Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, wrote the music, lyrics and book after being inspired by the 2004 biography of Hamilton’s life written by Ron Chernow.

What viewers will be treated to is the origin story of Hamilton within the first ten seconds of the opening number. Born out of wedlock on a small island in the Caribbean Sea, the audience must strap themselves in to hear the story of an immigrant who founded America’s first financial system. By the third number, My Shot, Hamilton is portrayed as a driven young man living in 18th century America. He is ‘young, hungry and scrappy’ just like the country he helps to establish. It is this effective delivery of lines through rap that intentionally matches the non-stop pace of the man himself.

The stage production introduces the world to many notable names in American history. Audiences will be re-introduced to Aaron Burr, the Schuyler sisters, George Washington, Lafayette and King George III. Each manages to grace the stage and play their part to communicate this transformative period in history. Miranda has managed to recreate Hamilton’s world and transport his highs, lows, victories, and tragedies into our modern sensibilities and playlists. This visual spectacle proves to be both entertaining and emotional. One cannot help but draw parallels between our world and the one that Hamilton lived. The names in our history books belong to people who experienced love and loss just like us. They endured injustice and social issues that continue to reverberate through to our era. It gives us all pause while we are entertained to consider that there are lessons within this musical for us to heed. Thanks to Miranda’s re-imagining of the past, he has managed to make history great again.

Another element to consider is that Hamilton: An American Musical takes on new life again as a film. Thomas Kail and the production team deserves high praise for maximising all the potential that filmmaking offers that theatre perhaps cannot portray. Viewers are no longer restricted to one angle in their seats but are afforded a smorgasbord of views, close-ups, and crystal clear sound. You don’t have to be a theatre buff to enjoy this musical adventure. If you enjoy a good story, Hamilton: An American Musical is ideally made for all to enjoy and you will be singing the tunes for days afterwards.

Reel Dialogue: How Can One Hope For A Better Future? (Spoilers Ahead)

Hamilton: An American Musical credits Eliza Hamilton (wife of Alexander Hamilton) as the one who managed to preserve the legacy of her husband. She is a portrait of a forgiving wife who continues to tell the story of her husband even as she grieves his death. Eliza is a fascinating woman in her own right. She is credited with the establishment of the first orphanage in New York. And she proves that it is possible to rise above the sufferings of life for the betterment of society.

As we look around at our moment in history, we wonder whether it is even possible to create change when natural disasters rage on amidst a global pandemic. What motivates us to want to create a better future for the next generation? What underlying beliefs sustain us to want to do good for those who cannot repay us? It seems this moment in history is rife with opportunity, just as it was in 18th century America.

One element of Rob Chernow’s biography that is not portrayed in the stage production was that both Alexander and Eliza Hamilton were professing Christians. Perhaps the truths of the Bible shaped their pursuits to serve those with less than themselves. At the very least, it gave them the language to build a better future for the country and the world.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ – Matthew 25: 37-40

Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.

About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.

Feature image: Supplied (Movie Publicity Used With Permission)