Coyote

I watched this at the Odeon in Kingston today not going with any expectations.

In ref to the story. Although it was based on fleeing refugees in the future it was hard not to think that these highlighted struggles were the problems and hardships that people still face today. How people in power may exploit people in need. How what's shown isn't what's actually the truth.

In ref to the locations. There were only a few locations but the story was powerful enough to draw you into this world.

The acting was top notch, a great ensemble piece.

The twist in the story at the end, that stole the show.

Not to mention. Very fitting music score. Nice special effects with clean editing, directed perfectly.

I thought this was a great movie. Go and watch it!!

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.

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!

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.

Coyote is a contemporary sci-fi story that deals with themes of class power conflicts, immigration at great danger for a better life, and the backward steps our world appears to be taking when it comes to LGBTQ rights. It is an important and profound commentary wrapped in an exciting and gripping drama.

The film's visuals are rich and evocative, from a gritty Eastern European slum to a lavish English countryside manor, to some mysterious seaside location. The acting, lead by Therica Wilson-Reed of Netflix's The Witcher series, is excellent, and the editing is tight and moves the film along at high pace. Together, all these strengths pulled me in and kept me almost literally on the edge of my seat till the surprising conclusion. (I'm pretty sure I was gripping the couch at times!)

Finally, the main characters are compelling, and I cared about them right away and rooted for them to find a way through a dark and treacherous (though lavish at times) landscape. I'm trying to write a review that doesn't have spoilers, so I'll say this: Watch Coyote, and If you're on the fence about it, just view the trailer and you'll see what I mean!