Yet another highly anticipated world premiere at the 2025 Fantastic Fest is a film that blends comedy, thrills, and eco-horror – Coyotes. Written by Tad Daggerhart (Expendables 4, Black Lotus) and Nick Simon (The Pyramid, Removal), with Colin Minihan (Grave Encounters, What Keeps You Alive) directing, the film follows a family living in the Hollywood Hills. After recent wildfires, the local coyote population has made it’s way to a wealthy neighborhood. With no car, no reception, and no power, the family will have to battle a deadly pack of coyotes for survival.

Most of the films Minihan is known for tend to be quite sinister and frightening. With Coyotes, he gives horror fans a little something different. The format feels like a home invasion film, focusing on one family primarily in a single location. They’re trapped with a fire getting closer and closer, all while dangerous wild coyotes are trying to get in. It places a family, already dealing with interpersonal issues, in a heightened emotional state dripping with suspense. Audiences get a plenty of thrills mixed in with deadly animal terror. Yet what makes the film more compelling is the family drama at the heart of the story. It takes Coyotes from a typical animal attack flick to an emotional, character-drive film.

While the general premise of Coyotes and the family dynamics make for an exciting film, some of the other aspects of the plot are a mixed bag. There is a lot of comedy throughout the film. For the most part, it’s genuinely funny and makes for an even more enjoyable viewing experience. However, there are times when the comedy feels a bit dated. This is especially apparent in the cold opening involving a Paris Hilton-like character that feels like watching something from the early 2000s. Luckily, much of the rest of the comedy delivers laughs amidst the terror. Another important part of this film is the ecological danger. Southern California was devastated by wildfires last year, and this film seems to take inspiration from that. Similar fires are what ultimately drove the coyotes into populated areas. It’s a great setup that connects with real world events, but I wish the filmmakers had gone a bit deeper into that side of the plot, emphasizing how such a destructive force impacts both animal and human life.

A highlight of Coyotes is the fantastic cast. Horror fan favorite Justin Long (Barbarian, Tusk) stars as Scott. A comic book creator who recently gained the wealth to move his family to a luxury home, Scott is a loving husband and father, but he’s also a workaholic. At first being distant, Long ramps up the comedy and paternal instinct as he fights to protect the family he loves. Kate Bosworth (House of Darkness, The Domestics) plays Scott’s wife, Liv. Bosworth makes it clear Liv is the backbone of the household, taking care of her family while also doing her best to bring them back together. Because Long and Bosworth are a real-life couple, they deliver an authentic relationship dynamic that at times is loving and supportive while also having typical irritation and animosity. Audiences are also sure to love the heartfelt performance from Mila Harris (No Exit) along with the ridiculously funny performances from Brittany Allen (What Keeps You Alive), Norbert Leo Butz (A Complete Unknown), and Keir O’Donnell (Wedding Crashers).

When it comes to the visuals in Coyotes, there are some highs and lows. A unique high is how the characters are introduced. Because Scott is a comic book artist, each character gets their own comic, pop-art style freeze frame with their name. It’s fun, quirky, and adds a bit of eye-catching artistry as the audience gets to know each character. Another great aspect is the location and set design. The film primarily takes place in and around Scott’s house, only briefly venture out to show neighboring homes. Each home has it’s own unique style that showcases the wealth of the community while emphasizing the sometimes odd personalities of the homeowners. Something that doesn’t work as well is the effects used to create the coyotes themselves. This unrealistic animation looks awkward and jerky, often giving the coyotes a more wolf-like appearance, and has the look of AI. While I wasn’t able to confirm if the coyotes were created using AI or not, it’s something to be mindful of.

Coyotes mixes comedy, thrills, and deadly animals into a heartwarming tale of a family trying to reconnect. While at times the writing feels a bit dated and doesn’t fully explore some of the more interesting themes, Minihan still manages to deliver laughs and terror to entertain audiences. Long and Bosworth make a great pair, bringing an authenticity to their characters thanks to their real life romance. While the effects leave something to be desired, many of the other visuals are well done and help bring the story to life. If you’re looking for something fun and filled with carnage, be sure to check out Coyotes in theaters Friday, October 3rd.

OVERALL RATING: 6/10