Coyote Cage

Having worked on this as 1st AC and being the Action Cinematographer for the bathroom fight scene, I was BEYOND shocked at how wonderful this film turned out! Without giving away spoilers...

The film follows a band of immigrants fleeing to pursue a better life elsewhere. Throughout their journey, each character faces challenges they never thought they'd 1. Encounter and 2. Be more horrendous than what they left.

The character development is solid throughout as each face their own challenges. The pacing is good with captivating moments throughout. And, the locations are plentiful helping to provide a great visual aesthetic to the story and everything happening "in the moment!"

Even though I worked on this, watching this a year later, I swear I forgot most of what I had done in this film LOL So, when I watched it at the premiere, I felt like I was watching this for the first time; cringing, gasping and, cheering at precise moments that the Director intended!

Great job to all the Crew and Cast! And, most importantly, bravo to the Director and Producer's for pushing through and finishing this, ensuring this story made it to the big screen!

Coyote Cage (2023) is such gritty, emotionally charged thriller that dives deep into the harrowing realities faced by migrants crossing the U. S.-Mexico border. With standout performances and raw, character-driven storytelling, the film builds tension through human vulnerability rather than spectacle. Director Michael Perez crafts a haunting atmosphere using New Mexico's stark desert landscapes, while the narrative takes a sharp, shocking turn that forces viewers to confront the brutal consequences of survival. It's an unflinching look at desperation, resilience, and the human cost of hope-delivering a powerful, socially relevant story that lingers long after the credits roll. Great job.

A top-notch thriller about a real, little-known horror that many people face when looking for a better life. The fight scene at the beginning is better than many big-budget movies, and the acting ranges from good to excellent, which are both impressive in a micro-budget film. Some of the special effects were practical and shot very well to make them convincing.

I was especially impressed with the villain and really liked the characters and acting of the "coyote" (a person who helps people cross the border undocumented, not the animal) and the ex-general. I wouldn't mind seeing them in more films.

Coyote Cage is a story of Migrant Trafficking, the exploitation of human desperation, and its enablers. Some of its feature film contemporaries include: the outstanding "Trafficked" the decent, but much maligned (due to its being diametric to corporate politics), "The Sound of Freedom''. In this tale by writer Devin O'Leary, and director Michael Perez, each of an eclectic cast of desperates pays 2k cash to an American Coyote (immigrant smuggler) for safe passage from Juarez to the US. It's an all cash business and there are no guarantees. Bandits, smugglers and an unforgiving desert stand between a band of desperates and their freedom. Not to mention the CBP and ICE. This is the story of strong female characters, corruptible men, the lust for freedom and redemption. Despite its gruesome subject matter, this is a gorgeous film that plays with light and shadow, thanks in part to cinematographer Nicholas Kerekes. Standout performances from Aubrey Trujillo, and Michael L. McNulty.

Delmone Taylor did an amazing job with sound on this film!

The film follows immigrants fleeing to find a better living. Each character faces challenges they didn't expect. In order to survive they have to become more than they've ever been.

Great character development. Solid throughout as each face their own challenges. The pacing is good with captivating moments throughout. And, the locations are plentiful helping to provide a great visual aesthetic to the story and everything happening "in the moment!"

This is a film you can watch over and over!

Cast and crew did amazing! Shoutout to the Director and Producer's.