After months of anticipation, the grindhouse horror Western Coyote Woman is finally available. Director Stefan Ruf has crafted a brutal, unflinching homage to classic exploitation cinema, infused with the gritty realism of Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian.
This is not a sanitized Hollywood Western. Coyote Woman is a bloody, visceral tale of revenge, survival, and the savage nature of man. Featuring Larissa Dali as the titular character, the film is a rollercoaster ride of violence, sex, and shocking imagery.
The film shows the Comanches killing their parents and abducting half-sisters Iris and Cynthia. Iris manages to escape, carrying with her a ravening desire for revenge. However, Cynthia is adopted into the tribe and grows into a warrior.
Ten years later, a gang of rogue Texas Rangers-turned-scalp hunters led by J.J. Glanton and Judge Holden are hired by Iris to destroy the last free band of Comanches led by Chief Coughing Buffalo and the shaman Deep Water. Unfortunately, the white man’s ardent spirits have turned him into Stupid Water, yet he retains a kind of crazy wisdom. Meanwhile, Texas Ranger Major Adamson sends Captain Isaac Burton and Sergeant “Sticky Joe” Joseph to protect the tribe. When the scalp hunters strike, Cynthia and Stupid Water join the Rangers to exact terrible revenge on the Glanton Gang and Judge Holden.
Ruf’s deep-rooted passion for the genre is evident in every frame. His homage to Spaghetti Westerns and the controversial Soldier Blue is undeniable. The film’s score, composed by Ruf himself, is a raw, gritty blend of Ennio Morricone, John Carpenter, and Goblin, perfectly capturing the film’s chaotic energy.
A particular highlight is the final screen appearance of legendary stuntman Gary Kent, a beloved figure in the B-movie world and a personal favorite of Quentin Tarantino. Kent’s presence adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film.
Coyote Woman is a bold, uncompromising indie film. It is a must-see for fans of Grindhouse cinema and those seeking a truly authentic Western experience. Watch it now on Prime Video and Tubi, along with other services.
