Review- 'Coyote'

 

Before I ripped off the plastic sleeve it was in.

Coyote(2013)

Rating:NR

Runtime:75Min.

Stars:

Bill Oberst, Jr.

Heather Schlitt

Bill Finkbiner

Victoria Mullen

Directed by: Trevor Juenger

Synopsis- A look into the mind of a man as his self-imposed insomnia drives him to hallucinations and, ultimately, an utter raging madness. 

Last month, I was the lucky recipient of this movie, by way of a Re-Tweet contest sponsored by @filmbizarro-  see here:

http://t.co/mFWV0XdzYA gave me the news: @DystopiaGrrl is the winner of COYOTE. PM me address, or mail groronodorized@gmail.com
— Ronny Carlsson (@filmbizarro) July 20, 2014

And let me tell you, there was much rejoicing. I'd been wanting to see this film for awhile, so when it was shipped to me, and I could hold it in my hands, I felt like the luckiest fangirl in the world, right then.

The next day, I popped it into my computer and was mesmerized.  It starts out innocuously enough, but you can tell right away that something just isn't "right".  I'm going to try and refrain from spoiling this movie, because it's just something you have to see for yourself, and giving anything away would ruin it. Truly.  

Okay, 'cept for maybe this:

I'm just your friendly neighborhood crazy man.

 The humor in this movie(albeit scarce) is something that, while you're laughing, you wonder if you actually should be laughing. This movie is so twisty and turnsy, that even the humor is creepy. 

Trevor Juenger's movie leaves you unsettled and thinking about it days after you watch, and that's a definite sign of a good movie.  You almost feel as you yourself are experiencing what Bill experiences, and it just doesn't want to let go.  The acting is outstanding; from Bill's descent into madness, to Jesse's trying to deal with his behavior(after being attracted to him, she learns all isn't what it seems).  Victoria Mullen gets props for being his much abused lady-friend. And Bill Oberst, Jr. again brings the weird;his performance is stellar.  His 'normalcy' is as reassuring as his later violence is shocking. 

The cinematography is beautifully done, going from well-lit to darker and "off".  The story(written also by Juenger) is well done, and does an excellent job of drawing the viewer in, and you will absolutely not find one slow moment. It keeps you on your toes until the very end. It is a tenebrously splendid, disturbing film, but it is one you must watch, if you are a fan of Art-House films.  Is is definitely a not for the faint of heart(it was banned from a few film festivals, I mean, for good reason-some of the scenes are just, holy crap), but if you love horror, this is your cup of tea. 

And, if you watch the trailer, it's only a small taste of what to expect:


 



Anyway, I give this 5 out of 5 stars.  :)  

Thanks for reading! 


(yeah and sorry about the long hiatus. `:| )