Synopsis
Two dangerous and unwanted guests threaten a young woman and her overbearing mother at a small bed-and-breakfast near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Camila MendesEster
- Adriana BarrazaTeresa
- Andres VelezPaco
- Manny PérezIgnacio
- Neil SandilandsDirk
- Luisina QuarleriMaria Elena
- Charlie WeberMario
Recommendations
- 67
Austin Chronicle
The exquisitely precise direction by Seligman (making an impressive debut here), the trim editing by Eric F. Martin, the gorgeous nighttime cinematography by Matthias Schubert – all contribute to an eerie otherworldliness in this beautifully executed opening sequence of Coyote Lake. As you witness it, you wonder: Is this a real place in a real time, or some metaphysical state of mind? The movie has barely begun, and you’re utterly intrigued. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
The coming-of-age theme doesn't mesh entirely well with the more lurid elements, and Coyote Lake doesn't quite achieve the narrative tension sufficient to lift it above the story's slow spots. The film is carried along by the strength of Mendes' emotionally complex, restrained performance that makes clear that Ester is as much victim as accomplice. - 40
Los Angeles Times
The setting and the characters are fairly unique. But they’re put to fairly mundane use, in service of a blah coming-of-age tale. - 20
Variety
While the movie doesn’t work, it isn’t idiosyncratic enough even to hold attention as a misfired oddity.
