Coyote Lake

Coyote Lake, a gripping and suspenseful thriller released in 2019, draws you into the chilling world of Ester (played by Camila Mendes) and her mother, Teresa (played by Adriana Barraza). This unique mother-daughter duo runs a remote B&B near the wild border of Texas and Mexico, known as Coyote Lake. The once peaceful Coyote Lake harbors a dark secret that keeps its guests in a continuous state of fear and apprehension.

Directed by Sara Seligman, the film takes inspiration from the grim reality of drug trafficking across the US-Mexico border. The haunting surroundings and the calm, serene lake are the perfect foil to the violent undertones that persist throughout the film.

Camila Mendes expertly brings to life the role of Ester, a young and intelligent girl suffocated by the grim reality she lives in. Ester yearns for a normal life, dreams of escaping the oppressive clutches of her mother and the horrifying deeds they are compelled to commit to keep their home. Each passing day brings Ester closer to the edge, breeding in her the desperation to break free. However, leaving her world is far from straightforward, and the resulting journey is full of twists and turns.

Adriana Barraza delivers a phenomenal performance as Teresa, Ester's secluded and controlling mother. Teresa is a seasoned participant in the grim world they live in: the comforting hostess to their visitors on the outside, a ruthless killer on the inside. She is as calm as the Lake itself during the daytime, yet as deadly as the dark secrets of the Lake at night. Adriana Barraza's portrayal of Teresa illustrates the complexity of a character torn between love for her daughter and the essential survival instincts necessary for their existence.

The arrival of the two drifters, Paco (played by Andres Velez) and Ignacio, provides a new dynamic to the plot. Their identities are shrouded in mystery, setting in motion a tense and exciting chain of events that disrupts Ester's repeating days and brings much-needed change. Paco is a deeply tormented soul and adds a fresh perspective to the formidable world inhabited by Ester and Teresa. His appearance challenges Ester's preconceived notions and forces her to reconsider the future she wants for herself.

The cinematography and the directing style of Sara Seligman add another layer of complexity to the movie. She has skillfully used the tranquil, desolate location, contrasting it with the dark themes and turning it into an eerie presence, almost another character in the film. The movie engages viewers with an eerie silence that makes an unforgettable backdrop for this chilling narrative. Seligman’s choice of location, lighting and camera angles accentuate the feeling of panic and suspense, making the audience feel as if they're part of the story.

Coyote Lake builds on the psychological terror, carefully sculpted through excellent scriptwriting and commendable performances. It acquires a layered meaning with each passing minute. While it explores the dark side of human nature and the lengths to which one will go for survival, it also explores the power of maternal love and the boundaries it can push.

Laced with suspense, drama, and horror, Coyote Lake is a compelling watch. It displays an appealing exploration of moral and ethical boundaries, the human instinct for survival, and the lengths to which individuals can be tested in extreme circumstances. It poses an intriguing question: how far can humans be pushed before they lose their humanity, driven by necessity and a life full of dread?

The performances are poignant and intense, making it impossible for viewers to take their eyes off the screen. Camila Mendes, Adriana Barraza, and Andres Velez are commendable in their roles, and their performances serve as a testament to their versatility as actors.

In essence, Coyote Lake is a well-crafted thriller with a dark, riveting narrative that keeps the tension palpable until the very end. It challenges the viewers mentally, emotionally, and intellectually, leaving them on the edge of their seats as the film progresses towards a dramatic climax.