Sunday, January 10, 2010

Coyote (2007)

This is an indie movie so humble that when it starts, you think it may require all your energy to stay focused. Instead, you are swept away into a dramatic documentary-style story.

At 31,successful entrepreneur Steve (Brian Petersen) retires and realizes his comfortable life is boring. He’s in search of his next venture, but unable to find the right fit. His best pal, J (Brett Spackman) hasn’t accomplished much and looks bored with his day-to-day life, but seems resigned to it. When Steve’s fiancĂ©e Katie’s (Carley Adams) friend’s son is deported to Mexico after a traffic stop, Steve and J devise a plan to smuggle him back into the US where he’s lived most of his life. This success leads to an entrepreneurial opportunity as coyotes—people who get paid to sneak undocumented immigrants from Mexico into the United States.

(Spoiler Alert: Read at Your Own Risk!)

The plan continues but like with any good story, not without some hitches. These hitches lead to the expansion of their business, which leads to more hitches and complications. The experience of crossing the border is fascinating--the success stories, the details which are often the richest pieces. You also hear about deportations and those who leave on their trek but are never seen again. Coyote has authenticity. The characters are believable; they take ample time in researching their business venture, which adds suspense and dramatic effect. Their friendship displays depth and complexity.The twist is the white man as the kinder gentler coyote (reminds me of the sub-plot Weeds used last season—coincidence?).

Co-writer and Director: Brian Petersen

Country: US

Genre: Drama

Run time: 94 minutes

Scale: 4

2 comments:

Toughskins said...

Thanks Diana! Where did you first see it?

- Brett (co-writer, "J")

Diana Mivelli said...

Just saw your comment. This was a great movie. I cannot remember how I heard of it but I found it at my local library. The Seattle Public Library System rocks. Do you have anything else in the works?