Coyotes Fantastic Fest Film Review

There’s a clear pattern when it comes to the horror movies I love and that pattern seems to be Justin Long being in the cast. I don’t know what it is, but every horror film he’s in ends up being great. The guy just knows how to pick them. While covering Fantastic Fest, I was lucky enough to get a screener for Coyotes, a film that had me grinning from start to finish. The story is around a family who get trapped in their house as need to fight off coyotes. This is the perfect movie to watch with a big crowd or a group of friends. It’s a creature feature that delivers thrilling, popcorn-fueled fun. Wildly self-aware, chaotic, and packed with personality, Coyotes knows exactly what kind of movie it wants to be. The zany characters are unforgettable, the story is hilarious, and the coyotes themselves are genuinely terrifying, bringing a real sense of danger to the chaos. It’s a near-perfect creature feature that is equal parts hilarious and gruesome, with plenty for horror fans to sink their teeth into. There really is a lot to chew on with this movie.

Justin Long and Kate Bosworth make a fantastic duo, bringing depth and heart to their characters. As a married couple, you can see that there is some distance between them, but they very much love each other. Beneath all the campy chaos, the film explores family dynamics and what it really means to be present for the people you love. It’s a story about people going to great lengths to protect their family, even when things get absolutely ridiculous and dangerous. I also love the “eat the rich” angle. Set in Los Angeles, the film cleverly shows that no amount of money can protect you from the threats that lurk in the wild. Some of the performances are over the top, but that’s exactly what makes it work. The movie fully embraces its campiness and has a blast doing it. It’s very much a “turn your brain off and enjoy the ride” kind of film, but with a surprising amount of heart. It knows the movie is silly and that's amazing!

From the start, Coyotes grabs your attention by introducing each character with their own animated title card. A comic book-style touch that sets the tone right away. Each character feels distinct, with their own quirks and energy, making them fun to follow even when they’re not entirely likable. We even get this fantastic cold opening that had me laughing so hard. The movie shines most when it takes big swings, and every bold move lands with style. Sure, some of the VFX on the coyotes can look a little rough at times, but they still deliver where it counts. Especially in the tense, pack-attack moments that we don’t often see handled this well in horror films with coyotes. This movie will have you dying with laughter and hide behind your eyes with the gore. This movie does get pretty gory too. The kills are gruesome and long. It truly is a bloody goodtime. Which is why this must be seen with as many people as possible.

Overall, Coyotes is a film I highly recommend, whether you catch it in theaters or at home with friends. It has to be seen with people. I watched it alone, but I found myself wishing I could’ve experienced the crowd reactions. Every twist kept me hooked, and the strong ending sealed the deal for me. You can tell the cast and crew had an absolute blast making this movie, and that joy shines through in every frame. Sometimes, all you need is a lighthearted, campy creature feature in life. Coyotes delivers exactly that. It’s definitely going on my list when it hits theaters, and it should be on yours too. The world needs fun and this movie is your ticket to having it. Plus, this movie will really make you reflect on your presence with your family. It's a good story and I think people are absolutely gonna love it.

Rating: 85/100