(FANTASTIC FEST) “COYOTES” (2025): Bloody, Brutal, & Brilliant

Courtesy of Aura Entertainment

Fantastic Fest has long been the mecca for horror fans who crave the unexpected. Every September in Austin, the festival brings together the wildest voices in horror, science fiction, and boundary-pushing cinema. It does this simply by giving indie filmmakers a stage to unleash their boldest visions. This isn’t just about seeing movies; it’s about celebrating the unruly spirit of the horror genre itself. Fantastic Fest doesn’t just showcase movies, it nurtures them, amplifying stories that might otherwise get lost in the noise of big studio releases. There’s an electric charge in the air every year with it. However, this year has the spark belonging to “Coyotes”.

Directed by Colin Minihan, with a story by Daniel Meersand & Nick Simon and Tad Daggerhart, and a screenplay by Tad Daggerhart & Nick Simon. “Coyotes” is a vicious, hilarious, and blood-soaked thrill ride that knows exactly what it wants to be. The cast includes Justin Long, Kate Bosworth, Mila Harris, and Brittany Allen (who composed the movie). The entire cast delivers amazing, committed performances that make this horror-comedy thrive. While covering the movie remotely via a screener for this review site, I could still feel the energy radiating from every scene through my computer screen. I will say this, if it plays this well at home, I can only imagine how much fun it was seeing the Fantastic Fest audience laugh, squirm, and scream together.

SYNOPSIS:

“After a Santa Ana windstorm knocks out power in the Hollywood Hills and crushes the family SUV, the Stewarts — Scott, Liv, and their precocious daughter, Chloe — are stranded in their hillside home with no cell service, no escape route, and just enough Spam to start a riot. But the real problem? Coyotes. Not the scrappy, skittish kind that dig through your garbage and steal your cat — but smart, organized, murder-flavored coyotes. Led by a scar-faced alpha with serious beef, the coyote pack starts picking off neighbors like its happy hour at an all-you-can-eat casino buffet.

As wildfires rage on one side and a bloodthirsty canine death cult circles the other, the Stewarts — armed with nothing but a flashlight, an old iPad, and some questionable decision-making skills — must band together and transform from cozy suburbanites into blood-smeared survivalists. ‘COYOTES’ is a savage, satirical survival thriller where nature bites back — and this time, it brought friends. Welcome to the apex of the food chain. It’s going badly.”

From its first frame, “Coyotes” shows it isn’t here to be restrained. Colin Minihan, whose work I’ve followed since “Grave Encounters” (who also recently announced for a remake starring Justin Long), directs with precision and flair. He seamlessly blends beauty with terror. There are scenes where the wildfire embers reflecting in animal eyes, flashlights slicing through dark hallways, and quiet moments before violence that feel almost intimate. Minihan also edited the film himself, keeping the pacing sharp and tension high. As he said in his statement via a press release from Aura Entertainment, “COYOTES isn’t trying to be cool. It’s trying to bite. And hopefully, leave a mark.” Personally, I will say that from seeing this movie for myself, it absolutely does.

Courtesy of Aura Entertainment

“Coyotes” balances horror and comedy effortlessly. Minihan captured it best: “This movie is sharp, fast, and unafraid to go for the jugular and the laugh.” The humor never undercuts the scares, and the scares never mock the humor. Instead, they work together to create a frenetic survival story that is both absurd and terrifying.

The gore is unapologetic and creative. Practical effects recall the best of 1980s splatter films, with inventive and shocking kills. A bedroom sequence stands out, crafted to stun even the most dedicated horror fans. Tension builds meticulously, with every sound amplified and every shadow threatening, before detonating into an unforgettable burst of violence. Horror lovers will discuss this scene long after the credits roll.

The cast elevates the story further. Justin Long delivers one of his most compelling performances in years, fully inhabiting Scott’s panic and unpredictability. Kate Bosworth matches him with ferocity and presence, grounding Liv in a survival instinct that empowers most mothers, all while embracing chaos. Their dynamic, as Minihan said, is “pure fire.” Mila Harris as Chloe, brings charm and intelligence, avoiding typical child character pitfalls. Let’s also make sure not to leave out the amazing performance by Brittany Allen, who plays Jules. Not only did she do a superb job at acting in this movie, but she also composed the score. The way she scored the movie was so well done that it gave it heartbeat and rhythm that syncs perfectly with her performance.

Minihan’s rejection of self-serious horror drives the movie’s tone. “Somewhere along the way, people forgot that horror could be fun and still have soul. ‘COYOTES’ is a course correction,” he said. The movie proves this by being bold, direct, and unflinching, embracing its premise without apology. Even while watching this movie at home for coverage of the festival, the movie’s energy was palpable. It had me laughing, wincing, and on edge all at once, proving the effectiveness of its horror-comedy blend. The pacing, performances, and relentless tension make it a standout in the indie horror landscape.

Courtesy of Aura Entertainment

In the end, “Coyotes” embodies everything Fantastic Fest champions: bold, wild, and unrestrained storytelling. “Coyotes” from Aura Entertainment will have its theatrical release on October 3rd. An experience that will leave audiences being thrown headfirst into chaos. This is a movie that refuses to be polite. It is a relentless thrill ride that keeps you on edge, laughing one moment and recoiling the next. Most importantly, it reminds us of the fact that nature still has the power to terrify, creating new fears we haven’t experienced in years.

Whether it’s slashers in the woods, ghosts in the attic, or killers in the cornfield, ILHM Reviews brings you the frightful horror flick recommendations worth watching. Follow us on Instagram, be sure to listen to the the "I Love Horror" podcast and remember that if you’re a true fan of horror, every night can be a FRIGHT NIGHT!