COYOTES
Campy survival horror COYOTES is honestly exactly what we need in this grossly exhausting political climate we currently find ourselves in. The film finds a family trapped in their Hollywood Hills home by a vicious pack of coyotes that will kill anything in their path. Liv, Scott, and daughter Chloe battle these ravenous creatures amidst unraveling familial bonds and uninvited guests.
COYOTES would be a perfect doubt feature with Werewolves Within. Both films have quirky characters. Keir O’Donnell gives exterminator Devon a greasy, cringey confidence. Norbert Leo Butz encapsulates the coked-up, sex-addicted next-door neighbor, Trip.
Brittany Allen plays sex worker Julie. Her ability to steal scenes is magic. Mila Harris is Liv and Scott’s animal-loving daughter, Chloe. She beautifully holds her own alongside Bosworth and Long. Their family chemistry is delicious.
Kate Bosworth is Liv. She is an absolute badass, loving mother. She is the grounding force of the film. Scream king Justin Long gives us delightfully approachable Dad vibes as Scott. The addition of his inability to look at blood is actual perfection. Long’s jokes counter the utter madness and mayhem surrounding the little family unit.
This is essentially an ensemble survival horror. The CGI coyotes are a bit Twilight-y, but the practical FX are legit. The kills are super creative, and one is particularly gnarly and incredibly satisfying for genre fans. Scott’s occupation is a graphic novel artist. Director Colin Minihan uses his drawings as character intro cards as well as panel swipe transitions. The script is a clever worst-case scenario tornado, social satire, while simultaneously tying in a neglected relationship element.
COYOTES fills a disassociation void with a fun time. We get to see the authentic chemistry between the recently engaged Long and Bosworth, and enjoy Long’s characteristic slapstick comic timing. Grab some popcorn and have a solid night in.
COYOTES Trailer:
IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE OCTOBER 3, 2025
Synopsis: After a Santa Ana windstorm knocks out power in the Hollywood Hills and crushes the family SUV, the Stewarts — Scott, Liv, and their precocious daughter, Chloe — are stranded in their hillside home with no cell service, no escape route, and just enough Spam to start a riot.
But the real problem? Coyotes. Not the scrappy, skittish kind that dig through your garbage and steal your cat — but smart, organized, murder-flavored coyotes. Led by a scar-faced alpha with serious beef, the coyote pack starts picking off neighbors like it’s happy hour at an all-you-can-eat casino buffet.
As wildfires rage on one side and a bloodthirsty canine death cult circles the other, the Stewarts — armed with nothing but a flashlight, an old iPad, and some questionable decision-making skills — must band together and transform from cozy suburbanites into blood-smeared survivalists.
COYOTES is a savage, satirical survival thriller where nature bites back — and this time, it brought friends. Welcome to the apex of the food chain. It’s going badly.
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Runtime: 91 minutes
Language: English
Country of Origin: United States
Year: 2025
Production Companies: Capstone Studios, Gramercy Park Media, Jaguar Bite
Director: Colin Minihan
Writers: Tad Daggerhart, Daniel Meers, and Nick Simon
Producers: Nathan Klingher, p.g.a., Ford Corbett, Josh Harris, Jib Polhemus, p.g.a.
Executive Producers: Simon Beltran Echeverri, Kate Bosworth, Jason Carpenter, Tad Daggerhart
Distributor: AURA Entertainment
Cast: Justin Long, Kate Bosworth, Mila Harris, Brittany Allen, and Katherine McNamara
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Jamie Costa and Emalia (
Best Picture: CAMP, directed by Avalon Fast
FANTASTIC PITCHES 
The Hairbrained Salon’s owner is a bawdy broad named Laverne. Martini Bear is one hell of a force, slinging f-bombs on top of the already kitschy, 60s-inspired dialogue. John Waters and Mario Bava are all over this film; think 
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This heartwarming doc has some amazing personalities. Audrey is Sound. Her infectious wonder is the epitome of SILVER SCREAMERS. David is Special Effects. With his puppeteering skills, the film’s villain comes alive. Diane is in charge of Makeup. Her theatre background is key to her role. Sonny is the Camera Operator. He is reactivating the dreams of his youth.
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HAPPYEND
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For more TIFF coverage, 
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For all things Fantasia, 
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