‘Coyotes’ (2025) Review – Justin Long Vs Beasts In A Bloody And Funny Thriller

Sometimes we need a laugh—no skyrocketing stakes, no treatise on humanity—a good old-fashioned laugh-riot. That is what Coyotes delivers. Family versus nature, and nature is taking a bite out of the family in more ways than one. Bloody and brilliantly brutal. The movie is the perfect kind of popcorn flick that does not ask too much of its audience, but instead lets us revel in the silly takes as Justin Long and Kate Bosworth try to survive being trapped on the Hollywood Hills. At the same time, a pack of hungry coyotes advances towards them—bloody good fun.

Coyotes centers on the Stewart Family. Scott (Justin Long) is a workaholic. He and his wife, Liv (Kate Bosworth), and daughter Chloe (Mila Harris) live in their upscale home in the Hollywood Hills. Though for Liv and Chloe, they long for a time when Scott was less worried about work and more focused on family. Ironically, their wish comes true when a windstorm knocks out power and a tree crushes their SUV. The Stewarts prepare to hunker down, but soon find themselves on the menu as a pack of ravaging coyotes roam the neighborhood and begin picking people off. To make matters worse, a wildfire breaks out, forcing the family to band together and find a way to escape the blaze and the ferocious coyote teeth. 

Director Colin Minihan recalls his own experiences of coyotes stalking his dog in the Hollywood Hills. In Coyotes, he sees the film as a course correction from the ultra-serious, ‘elevated horror films’ of the past decade. The result is a movie that neither aims to revolutionize the horror genre nor offers a stirring commentary on the coexistence of animals and humanity. Sure, the film has some poignant points, but the biggest takeaway is to deliver a rip-roaring, bloody thrill ride. 

In many ways, Coyotes feels like a throwback to a different era in horror. When a simple premise could be put forth, like a family versus coyotes, and that would be all. The movie is set in our present day, but it does not impose a running commentary on current events, nor does the overall story drip with symbolism. This is a callback to when we are thrown right into the high-stakes adrenaline ride.

The film makes effective use of its 90-minute runtime and does not falter. The story delivers a few tender moments between Scott and Liv, but we are not here for a family redemption arc. This is a survival story. The movie commits to this idea with flourishes of blood, sweat, and a whole lot of coyotes. 

Now, let’s speak about the coyotes for a second. The ravenous pack at times feels like Jaws on land. They are not cuddly, huggable toy Ewoks, but ferocious and snarling killers. We understand what kind of movie Coyotes is going to be when an Instagram influencer is saved and devoured by this roaming pack. It’s bloody, but the movie manages to accomplish its blood and guts by using a humor streak. 

When the beasts stake a claim inside the Stewarts’ home, the tension accelerates. Whether intentional or by accident, there are a few moments that bring to mind the raptor scene in Jurassic Park. The coyote entering the house via the doggy door is creepy, just like Bosworth wrestling one to the ground with a blanket over its head. 

Energy is essential in a film like this, and the story cannot take unnecessary detours. Anything that slows the momentum gets the axe or ends up in the coyotes’ jaws. Minihan understands these facts and appreciates a sentiment where humor is a good tool in horror. A good laugh eases the tension. There are a few moments, particularly when the family comes face to face with the beasts. Long is in his element as he battles for his life, while still making us smile. 

Coyotes do not take itself too seriously. After all, we’re talking about a horror movie starring Justin Long going all Home Improvement to protect his wife and daughter from a pack of coyotes. Now, that is by no means a put-down or criticism. The film is aware of its ambitions and commits right from the first frame. Now, do not confuse this one with an outright comedy. The humor works because of the absurdity of the situation and ultimately sustains us thanks to bloody thrills.

The movie culminates in a tender moment at the climax, serving as a welcome breather after nonstop action and white-knuckle moments. But make no mistake, this is no Discovery Channel documentary. Whenever there is a sweet glimmer or a laugh lingers too long, bam, we are right back into the fangs of the beast. 

Coyotes will debut in theaters on October 3, 2025, courtesy of Aura Entertainment.