Coyotes (2025) arrives as one of the year’s most talked-about thrillers, combining raw survival drama with the haunting atmosphere of a neo-western. Set against the backdrop of the desert borderlands, the film isn’t just about crossing terrain — it’s about the thin line between hope and desperation when people are pushed to their limits.

Story & Themes

Instead of leaning on high-octane shootouts, Coyotes chooses a quieter, more suffocating pace. The plot follows a small group of migrants who must navigate the scorching desert while hunted by traffickers and stalked by actual coyotes. It’s a story less about escape and more about endurance, exploring themes of trust, survival, and what people are willing to risk for freedom.

Performances

Diego Luna grounds the film with a restrained yet powerful performance, portraying a man who carries the weight of his family’s survival. Isabela Merced delivers one of her most mature roles to date, bringing both strength and vulnerability. Oscar Isaac, in a chilling supporting turn, adds layers of mystery and menace that keep the audience guessing. The ensemble cast feels authentic, which makes the stakes all the more real.

Direction & Visual Style

Director Ana Castillo doesn’t glamorize the desert setting — instead, she leans into its hostility. Every shot emphasizes heat, emptiness, and isolation. Cinematographer Bradford Young captures breathtaking wide shots that contrast with suffocating close-ups during moments of tension. The minimal but haunting score by Hildur Guðnadóttir gives the film an eerie pulse, lingering in the background like a warning.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Authentic performances that feel lived-in and emotionally raw.
• Stunning cinematography that turns the desert into a character of its own.
• A tense, slow-burn narrative that rewards patient viewers.
• Powerful social commentary beneath the survival plot.

Weaknesses:

• The pacing may feel too slow for audiences expecting constant action.
• Its bleak tone can leave viewers emotionally drained.

Final Thoughts

Coyotes (2025) is not the kind of thriller that offers easy resolutions or conventional heroes. It’s gritty, unflinching, and deeply human. Viewers looking for a thoughtful, visually striking survival drama will find plenty to admire, while those after a more traditional action blockbuster may struggle with its intensity. Either way, it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Rating: ⭐ 8.6/10