It’s not often you stumble across a movie that genuinely revitalizes an old franchise, among the literally hundreds of Hollywood reboots sequels, and prequels. For Predator, the release of Prey in 2022 brings just that with director Dan Trachtenberg delivering a prequel that roots the series back into primal survival, unflinching action, and societal relevance. Taking place 300 years before the original 1987 Predator film, Prey goes back to basics by focusing the fight for survival on the Comanche Nationand their centuries-old warriors. It finally sets that horror of the hunter-vs.-the hunted back up again and also creates a stunning picture.
Prey offers endless excitement for the fans of the franchise and a bombardment of suspenseful set-pieces, coupled with some ferocious fight scenes, all within a historical narrative that easily adds depth to the proceedings. This standalone entry is the best place for newcomers to get in on streamed-up Reborn.
Plot Synopsis: A Hunt Youll Never Forget
Prey takes place in the Northern Great Plains of 1719 and revolves around a young Comanche brave named Naru (Amber Midthunder), who earns the opportunity to become a warrior while struggling to prove her worth among her fellow male warriors. Naru has the heart of a fierce warrior, brave, clever and bright but is never taken seriously as she’s more valuable a wife than a fighter. Naru wonders what is happening far beyond the secluded hunting grounds as she learns her way and tries to be accepted by the other hunters.
But, when a new danger arrives on Earth, A Predator, which is an alien predator that hunts only the most dangerous creatures in the galaxy…the human being. When the Predator starts killing miscellaneous wildlife and members of other hunting parties in the region, Naru is among the only people who realize that something much more dangerous has arrived, and he rises to meet it. Using her wit, knowledge, and skills to hunt creatures of the night fights for what she believes to be right while being hunted by a new hunter from an alien world.
MC Development: Strong Female Hero
Amber Midthunder gives a bold turn as Naru, which should come as no surprise to those with experience in the world. Naru is a standout among the background Selkies and fairy bit-players of an otherwise survivalist film, her instincts double as good smarts in addition to showing strength. It is a story of a journey to know oneself beyond what her tribe, and society, expect her to become. Naru is the heart of the story, largely because her need for validation as a proficient hunter from those who doubt her immediately echoes with any reader.
For Prey, the distinction lies in its commitment to character development and portrayal of indigenous cultures with reverence — things that no other action films within the Predator franchise can boast. Naru gets to grow from a sarcastic outcast to more than meets the eye later—she actually confronts one of the most vicious creatures in cinematic history with nervous, but solid and scary fierceness.
The screenplay only has a few hiccups, but the influences are noticeable at times, and the supporting cast — especially Dakota Beavers as Naru’s brother Taabe — adds layers to the narrative. Naru’s savy, family bond with Tanabe comes through strong here and adds impetus for her to prove herself worthy. Tanabe is a capable fighter as part of his life cycle, and their relationship provides some sweet moments balanced by the tension that builds to a head in an aggressive set piece later where this conflict forms the final emotional keystoneof the film.
Cinematography-A Banquet to the Eyes
Prey stands out for its great cinematography. With visuals capturing the sweeping landscapes of the Great Plains in all its detail, the vastness of the landscape serves as a stunningly beautifuland immersive nearly picture-perfect backdrop to this story. Camera person Jeff Cutter works perfectly with natural light sources, there are fabulous vistas of forests and meadows that result in a very atmospheric and meditative movie. This stands in stark contrast to the moment of violent action, which would only serve to increase tension and dramatic effect.
Even a technologically advanced and near-ideological monstrosity like The Predator himself, terrifying in his methods — his headshot to Leland Orser will go down as one of those great ‘oh my god’ moments in horror cinema — is filmed with an eye that separates fear from fascination. The aforementioned first-person leader, the predator, more easily fits in with Prey’s naturalistic aesthetics thanks to this deceptively minimalist application of visual effects. The film is not that heavy on CGI though and they show you alot of practical effects with the use of their camera work which is a bit atypical in the modern-day Hollywood blockbuster themes.
Themes: Survive, Identity and Tradition
Prey carries the weight of being more than just a prequel to Predator series; it explores ideas about survival, identity, and what those who are underestimated can do. A big focus of the movie is on Naru wanting to be treated as a full member of her community even as she blossoms into a hunter. Not just survival, but as a resistance to what the society has already allocated in its own responsibility-man-woman binary.
The movie also pays tribute to the traditions and way of life of the Comanche Nation and represents them with dignity and care. The cultural homage extends beyond the fight choreography to scenes involving Comanche (with subtitles and a Hollywoodveneer), as well as some additional historical imagery, such that The Last of the Mohicans becomes more than just an action movie. Hollywood rarely offers us this level of authenticity when it comes to Indigenous characters, and Prey excels in making sure its representation stands out.
Above all else, Prey is a story of survival against insurmountable odds. This story is less about the dangers that surround Naru (which there are many); it’s also a tale of her resourcefulness, insight and agility. The manner in which she fights the Predator is a reflection of her own fight to be taken seriously and valued within her tribe, and thus gives another layer of resonance here to the film itself as an underdog story.
Heart of the Predator slams action and suspense together into a heavenly pinball machine forest fire.
Don’t worry, Predator fans — Prey has plenty of the suspense and action that made the original movie a classic. Starting when the Predator first appears on Earth, the suspense ratchets up in slow but deadly incremental steps. It combines scenes of brooding anticipation and sudden violence to good effect.
The Predator in Prey has been less science fiction advanced than he is often portrayed as being in other movies and more an intelligent brute force. Not only does the approach render the alien hunter to be even more fearsome, but it makes sure that said monster comes around with a single-minded intensity. This culminates in an edge of your seat final confrontation between Narus and the Predator, which is both exciting and fulfilling, making it a great end to this story.
Verdict: A Welcome Addition to the Predator Series
Prey (2022)- One of the most innovative and exhilarating films in the Predator universe. Historically accurate with well-rounded characters, high-stakes battles, the perfect point of entry for new fans and one that returning players should not miss. Grounded in the story of a young Comanche woman who has to live through this monster and does so admirably, Prey tells us a tale about survival with having something to say about identity.
With a jaw-dropping visual prowess, unyielding dedication towards the representation of indigenous culture, and historical dramatization, not to mention it being an absolute blast to watch for its cat-and-mouse chase; Predators could not just be any better movie of 2022. Whether you are a long-time fan of the Predator franchise ot just looking for another great action film to watch, Prey is a must-see film.
