April 6th: Coyotes

Meep meep, indeed

Coyotes

Released: 2025

Directed by: Colin Minihan

Starring: Justin Long, Kate Bosworth, Mila Harris, Norbert Leo Butz

Coyotes is a “nature gone crazy” horror movie, with bloodthirsty coyotes terrorizing a neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills. Scott, played by Justin Long, is a hardworking comic book artist so consumed by his job that he’s pushing away his family — his wife Liv and daughter Chloe, played by Kate Bosworth and Mila Harris.

After a violent windstorm knocks out the power, the family finds themselves trapped inside their home. It doesn’t take long to realize they’re not alone — outside, a pack of hungry coyotes is circling, and they’re looking for more than house pets for their next meal.

There really isn’t much to Coyotes. The emotional backbone centers on Scott, who slowly realizes why his family is pulling away and tries to step up and lead them out of danger.

The supporting cast largely exists as a coyote buffet: his depressed, deviant neighbor and the sex worker he hires for the evening; his Irish, henpecked friend and that friend’s perpetually disappointed wife; and a demented pest control man who (spoilers) ultimately causes the problem in the first place.

Small Observations:

• The writing is mediocre at best. The daughter, Chloe, especially suffers in this regard. She is a fine actress and deserves better. Adults trying to write teenage speak always comes off poorly. Or cringe, as they may say.
• Justin Long and Kate Bosworth make a game effort of it, but there just isn’t enough there — either with the scares or with the comedy.
• Don’t get me wrong, there are some fun spots. Just not enough to overcome the flaws.
• These are the wolfiest coyotes I have ever seen. The special effects felt like they were done on Apple iMovie and not totally professionally finished.
• (Spoilers) I am glad Charlie, their dog, made it. Also, baby coyotes are just too adorable.
• Personal aside, I saw Norbert Leo Butz, the deviant neighbor, as Freddy Benson in the stage musical of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with John Lithgow. It was a fun show, and he was a big reason why.
• MCU actors: 0

Overall Rank: C

Justin Long and Kate Bosworth are pros. They do their best. The writing, the effects, and the scares just aren’t really there. Not terrible, but not worth seeking out. Meh.