Watch El Coyote

El Coyote is a gripping 2019 action thriller that explores the dark underbelly of Mexican drug cartels and the lengths that one man will go to protect the ones he loves. Directed by Jeffrey Nicholson and starring Michael Saquella, Robert Costanzo, and John Capodice, the film follows the story of a former Marine who returns home to find his family caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous drug lord.

The movie opens in the remote desert town of Santa Maria, where our protagonist, Jack (Michael Saquella), has just returned from a long stint in the Marines. He's eager to reconnect with his family, including his sister Lisa (Cinthya Carmona) and his young nephew, but he quickly finds out that things have changed in his absence. The town is now under the control of a powerful drug cartel, led by the ruthless El Coyote (Robert Costanzo), who is using violence and intimidation to control the local population.

When El Coyote's men kidnap Lisa and her son in a brutal raid on their home, Jack is forced to confront his own demons and use his military training to save his family from certain death. With the help of his old Marine buddy, Garza (John Capodice), and a young journalist, Sofia (Adriana Fonseca), Jack sets out on a dangerous mission to rescue his sister and her son before it's too late.

El Coyote is a fast-paced and tense thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Director Nicholson has crafted a gripping story that builds suspense with each passing moment and never lets up until the credits roll. The film's action sequences are intense and visceral, with a focus on practical effects that make the violence feel real and impactful.

Michael Saquella delivers a standout performance as Jack, balancing the character's vulnerability and strength with ease. Saquella portrays Jack as a man haunted by his past but driven by his love for his family, and his chemistry with Cinthya Carmona is a highlight of the film. Robert Costanzo is equally impressive as El Coyote, embodying the character's menacing presence and cold-heartedness with chilling accuracy.

John Capodice provides some much-needed comic relief as Garza, injecting some levity into the film's otherwise dark and violent world. And Adriana Fonseca brings a much-needed female perspective to the movie, playing Sofia as a smart and resourceful journalist who is determined to uncover the truth about the drug cartels.

The film's cinematography is also worth noting, with lush shots of the Mexican countryside and gritty depictions of the violence and chaos that ensues. The editing is tight and effective, keeping the pace fast and building tension with each cut. And the film's score, composed by Thomas Stanger, adds to the film's tension and intensity.

Overall, El Coyote is an entertaining and well-crafted action thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's not just another run-of-the-mill cartel movie, but an emotionally charged story of family, love, and redemption. If you're a fan of intense action movies with heart, then El Coyote is definitely one to check out.

El Coyote is a 2019 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.8.