Coyote

Watched as part of the Romford Film Festival.

Great example of a smaller film playing to its strengths. After a compelling opening sequence, the story is largely contained to a single location. But it's a great one at that. The grand scale of the house compliments the underlying story themes of class and status well.

As with all good sci-fi, the central story feels lifted from todays news, albeit with a dystopian lens that gives it a genre twist.

Therica Wilson-Reed does a good job of holding focus in an ensemble of female leading roles, balancing strength and vulnerability.

An intriguing script that works around the classic investigation, 'all is not what it seems,' plot thread kept me second guessing exactly where it was going.

All in all I think this is a really thought provoking debut effort from Dustin Curtis Murphy and I'd be interested to see what comes next.

Do not let the low average rating deter you. The film is the victim of bot attacks online, as most of the negative reviews, at this point, come from countries where the film isn't even available yet. These days, any film that deals sympathetically with the LGBTQ+ community, in any way, is likely to become a target of this nonsense. The best way to fight this kind of stuff, is to SEE THE FILM!

And, if you do, you will not be disappointed. This is a great little sci-fi film that shows what we all learned in the 1950s: you can make a great sci-fi film without BILLIONS of bucks! Yes, it's obvious that there wasn't that much money here. But, the concept and the execution are what carries this off. I kept thinking, over and over, "Cronenberg. Cronenberg. Cronenberg". Not that there's a lot of body horror, there's not. But the icy-cold delivery, and the off-kilter concept behind it all, definitely owe something to The Master.

Just go watch it. The acting is spot-on, the direction is perfect, the script is based on a concept that is unique and intriguing. If you're a sci-fi fan, I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy this.

In an age where we deal with an ongoing refugee crisis around the planet, films with massive budgets and marketing machines flood our screens with flashy glossy soulless 'entertainment'.

Coyote may lack the budget, but for what it lacks in money, it makes up in heart. The central relationship between the two girls is beautifully written and executed by the two leads. The world building around them, especially the first half, almost makes you forget this is a super Indy film!

For the past few years, I have become increasingly concerned about the lack of quality cinema. It is clear this director is a lover of the medium. He has heart, and asks the audience to think about the world in which we live. Not escape it for entertainments sake. This vocational approach to the work is shining through in every frame. And when there is a moment that makes the movie seem like it could have done with a few more bucks, it just makes me even more excited to see what the future for Dustin holds as he builds his career. What a triumphant start!

I would urge anyone to make up their own mind, you can't do that by reading reviews. Watch the film!

2 lovers are separated and try hard to get back together using an underground trafficking ring that uses teleportation. Not the most exciting of storyline, but it's Sci-Fi, my favourite genre.

But I quickly realise from the opening screens that it's distributed by Gravitas Venturas, the champions of independent cinema. I'm certain that I once watched a film that was distributed by GV and actually enjoyed it, but it's a while go now and I can't recall the film.

As expected, terrible music, terrible acting, average sets, terrible acting, sometimes confusing and boring dialogue, and did I mention terrible acting?

I strongly believe that it is indeed possible to review a film without watching it to it's end. You would not read 330 pages of a 350 page book and then rave about the book after the last 20 pages? A film is a linear story and it has to engage you along the way otherwise the surprise or whatever the final scenes are, are based on a non enjoyable journey to get there.

So it was with Coyote, which did not engage me in any way even for a minute, so I turned it off and consigned it to the 'rubbish' category.

Drawing inspiration from contemporary news, the film ingeniously weaves a dystopian lens into its central storyline. It masterfully uses science fiction as a vehicle to shed light on the challenges and consequences of our present reality. This genre twist elevates the film beyond mere entertainment, provoking thoughtful contemplation on the world we inhabit and the paths we may be heading towards.

The film left me profoundly moved and reflective. It is a rare find a film that manages to provoke both intellectual and emotional responses. If you're seeking a film that dares to explore the depths of the human condition while providing a compelling narrative, this is a must-watch. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the birth of an amazing filmmaker.