Coyote movie review & film summary - Movie16

 

Coyote (2021) Review: A Frustrating Dive into Border Patrol Politics

Coyote, the CBS All Access drama starring Michael Chiklis, sets out to explore the moral ambiguities of life at the U.S.-Mexico border. While the premise promises a deep character study of a retired Border Patrol agent thrust into a life-altering dilemma, the execution leaves much to be desired. Created by Michael Carnes, Josh Gilbert, and showrunner David Graziano, Coyote tries to blend action, drama, and social commentary, but its uneven storytelling and underdeveloped characters make it a tough watch.

A Premise That Fails to Deliver

The show introduces us to Ben Clemens (Michael Chiklis), a recently retired Border Patrol agent whose life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a woman fleeing a dangerous Mexican cartel. As the story unfolds, we’re presented with a man whose rigid black-and-white worldview is supposedly challenged by his newfound circumstances. Unfortunately, Coyote struggles to make this transformation compelling, often leaning on tired tropes rather than offering fresh insights.

The pilot episode, “Call of the Void,” sets the stage with a flash-forward to a tense cartel altercation. However, instead of building suspense, this structural choice only highlights the show’s narrative inconsistencies. The pacing feels uneven, with key plot points either rushed or stretched beyond necessity. By the end of the fourth episode, it becomes clear that Coyote is more interested in delivering shocking twists than developing its characters or themes in a meaningful way.

A Flawed Protagonist with Limited Appeal

Michael Chiklis, known for his portrayal of complex authority figures in shows like The Shield, delivers a performance that is, at times, engaging but ultimately one-dimensional. Ben is portrayed as a gruff, self-righteous man who views himself as the arbiter of justice. While his internal conflict could have been a compelling anchor for the series, it often feels superficial and unearned.

Through flashbacks, we learn that Ben was far from a compassionate officer during his 32-year career. His shoot-first-ask-questions-later mentality left little room for empathy or understanding. Yet, when he meets Maria (Emy Mena), a young woman seeking his help, he suddenly develops a paternal instinct that feels more like a plot device than a genuine character arc.

Underdeveloped Supporting Characters

Maria’s character, while central to the plot, is given minimal depth, making it difficult for viewers to connect with her struggles. Similarly, Silvia (Adriana Paz), a Mexican local who takes a liking to Ben, is portrayed with such vague motivations that her interest in him feels forced. This lack of development extends to the antagonists as well. The cartel leader, played by Juan Pablo Roba, is a stereotypical "ruthless villain," adding little to the narrative beyond surface-level threats.

For a series that aims to tackle complex social issues, the oversimplification of its characters is a glaring flaw. The show misses an opportunity to humanize the people affected by border policies, instead framing them as background figures in Ben’s self-centered journey.

A Confused Narrative Structure

Coyote attempts to be both a high-stakes action thriller and a thoughtful character drama, but it doesn’t quite succeed at either. The constant shifts in tone and focus make it hard to follow the story’s priorities. Moments that could have been emotionally impactful are overshadowed by a chaotic plot that rewrites itself with little regard for coherence.

The in media res opening, for example, teases a climactic showdown but takes far too long to revisit it, diluting any tension it might have built. When the show finally does circle back to this moment, it abruptly pivots to a new storyline involving cartel politics, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

A Missed Opportunity for Social Commentary

Given its setting, Coyote had the potential to provide meaningful commentary on the complexities of border politics and the human cost of violence in the region. Instead, it opts for a Western-style fantasy where the flawed Border Patrol agent is the reluctant hero. This framing feels tone-deaf, especially in a time when nuanced discussions about immigration and law enforcement are more critical than ever.

The show’s inability to grapple with these issues in a thoughtful way undermines its premise. Rather than challenging viewers to question their assumptions, it reinforces simplistic narratives that fail to do justice to the subject matter.

Final Verdict

Coyote is a frustrating watch. Its intriguing premise and capable cast are overshadowed by poor execution and a lack of depth. The series had the potential to be a compelling exploration of morality and identity but settles for surface-level drama and action.

For fans of Michael Chiklis or those looking for a straightforward action series, Coyote might offer some entertainment value. However, for viewers seeking a nuanced portrayal of border politics and human relationships, this show falls short.

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