Written and directed by lead actor Trevor Riley, Arizona Meyer, a down-on-his-luck rancher finds himself on the wrong side of a gambling debt and alcohol addiction. Unable to pay his marker, Arizona reluctantly agrees to work it off by smuggling a woman up across the US/Mexico border for reasons unknown to him. Also starring: Brian Stepanek, Marisa Echeverria, Kevin Carney, Michael Earl Reid, Mario Ponce and Anthony Rey.
What’s interesting about The Ballad of a Coyote is that all of its topics, smuggling, addiction and death, are typically dealt with in a way that slaps you in the face with its violence and grit but Trevor Riley takes an unusual, thoughtful approach. It’s unexpected to see these dark themes framed with a bigger humanity, to put a focus on the quality of people’s character, giving the film a surprisingly big heart.
That’s not to say it pulls its punches, it still hits the right notes to push its harrowing reality when needed. Although the editing and use of some metaphorically styled footage can soften things a tad too much at times. Similarly, it could arguably be seen as a slightly idealistic interpretation at points but that in itself asks the question of why should it be harsh or highly political? There’s space for more than just one type of film with these themes, and it’s great to see Riley focus on human connection rather than simple crime and chaos.
A connection which is brought to life excellently by Riley and Marisa Echeverria, the respect that they build feels genuine. It unfolds in a nicely natural way, they work to build their common ground, it’s not just perfectly easy. Riley creates a character who’s both strong and vulnerable, he’s capable and resourceful but aware of his flaws, it has a great subtlety. Whereas Echeverria gives us a woman who’s a little bit broken, still determined and fierce but having to fight against the urge to give up after she’s been so beaten down. Making for a moving performance.
The Ballad of a Coyote plays things surprisingly understated, it takes what could have been a stereotypical tale of blood and violence and scales it back to focus on the human side of things. If you’re going into it looking for thrill and action, you’re in the wrong place but if you’re looking for a story on how sometimes you can find a sincere connection in unusual places, then it’s for you. It doesn’t bring in too much brutality but it also doesn’t forget it entirely, other than a few moments that push a bit hard on the emotional notes, it’s a captivating drama with a big heart.
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