Coyote Cage

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.

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.

I found this movie by accident, but I'm so glad did. It had my full attention from beginning to end. The actors did a great job bringing their characters to life. I still can't decide who my favorite character is. The story moves quickly so you never get bored. Devin O'leary and Michael Perez did an excellent job telling the opposite side of reality to immigrants crossing the border. Michael Teoli's music fit perfectly for every scene. Delmone Taylor seemed to do everything in the audio department. And Nick Kerekes found some magical location shots to show the true beauty of new mexico's landscape. Great work video team! Best local movie I've seen. I've seen a few other names on the crew that look familiar and it's refreshing to know with all of the guns that were used in this film, I never heard anyone misusing any equipment on set. Fantastic job everyone. You make me proud to be a New Mexican and I look forward to a sequel! Cheers to a job well done.

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.

Following in the footsteps of Gregory Nava's breakthrough indie film "El Norte", some 30+ years later we find "Coyote Cage", by director Michael Perez, with screenplay by Devin O'Leary. This is an excellent entry in the ongoing tale of immigrants coming to America by paying Coyotes to smuggle them across the border. Michael L. McNulty plays Guero, the good Coyote who cares, with warmth and self-deprecation. You just like the guy. The majority of other coyotes want only to exploit those seeking a better life by inflating the cost. This movie boasts excellent performances by its cast, which includes Carlos Enrique Almirante who delivers one of the most sinister bad guys I've seen in years. The story is well-focused with nice pacing. Technical aspects are very good, with strong, evocative cinematography and a thoughtful soundtrack. You will find yourself rooting for the good guys to make it through their perilous journey. Definitely worth watching!