Unpacking the Fear and Fun of 'Coyotes': A Unique Horror Comedy

Welcome to the Deep Dive, where we unearth the elements that make films stand out. Today, we're examining a movie that promises a unique blend of fear and humor—"Coyotes". Prepare to shift your expectations as we delve into a tale of survival that is anything but ordinary.

Setting the Scene

Imagine a serene night in the Hollywood Hills, where a family anticipates a calm evening at home. Suddenly, they find themselves isolated, cut off from the world by a massive Santa Ana windstorm that wipes out power and disables their car. Worse yet, there’s no cell service. Trapped against mounting threats, this scenario may sound tense enough, but add a “bloodthirsty canine death cult” into the mix, and the stakes are raised to a whole new level.

A Comedy Horror Duo

Director Colin Minihan leads this project, bringing his seasoned experience from films like "What Keeps You Alive". Minihan's lived experience with real coyotes while in the Hollywood Hills adds an authentic layer of fear, yet he still finds humor in the chaos. “Coyotes” is positioned as a comedy horror, balancing genuine scares with absurdly dark comedic moments.

The Stewart Family

Justin Long and Kate Bosworth bring authenticity to the screen as Scott and Liv Stewart, accompanied by their daughter Chloe, played by Mila Harris. As chaos unfolds, this real-life couple's chemistry promises to deliver a believable depiction of fear, survival, and emotional connection under pressure. Their fight for survival feels grounded thanks to their genuine relationship.

The Predicament

Supplies include an old iPad, a flashlight, and, humorously, “just enough Spam to cause a riot”. This inventory is both laughable and daunting. Standing against the organized malice of a death cult, their limited arsenal highlights the desperation and absurdity of their situation, cementing the film’s place in the horror-comedy genre.

Director's Vision

Colin Minihan’s direction combines personal insights with cinematic know-how, ensuring each scene taps into the primal fear of becoming prey. With humor peeking through the ominous narrative, Minihan challenges conventional horror tropes, cutting through the tension with unexpected comedy.

A Noteworthy Cast

Alongside Long and Bosworth are contributions from Brittany Allen, Katherine McNamara, and character actor Norbert Leo Butz. Their collective versatility supports the film’s dual demands of invoking both scares and laughs.

Conclusion

“Coyotes” premieres soon, showcasing its first screening at Fantastic Fest on September 20th, followed by a general theatrical release on October 3rd. As the film approaches, audiences must grapple with the twisted apex of nature’s chaos, holding a mirror to our position as apex predators.

If an unconventional horror comedy might be your thing, then “Coyotes” promises a noteworthy escapade into a world where meets horror, teetering on absurdity with a canine death cult at its center. Join us as we anticipate this fascinating dive into the unique blend of chaos and comedy.

Listen to the full podcast episode here!