Prey is a 2022 American science fiction action film directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison, based on the Predator franchise by Jim Thomas and John Thomas. It is the fifth installment in the franchise and a prequel to the first four films.
S P O I L E R S
The premise of Prey keeps faith with the original Predator film by taking the franchise back to basics –
The story revolves around Naru, a skilled Comanche warrior, protecting her tribe from a highly evolved alien predator that hunts humans for sport, fighting against wilderness, fur traders and a mysterious creature to keep her people safe. (Wikipedia)
Set in 18th century North America, the film features a mainly Native American cast which includes Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers, Michelle Thrush, Stormee Kipp and Julian Black Antelope. Naru and her brother Taabe see the Predator alien as a mystical creature, the ultimate challenge of their abilities as warriors.
Prey works mainly because the plot keeps the narrative uncomplicated. All we know is that a Predator alien is on earth and our protagonist Naru (and others) have to survive against its superior abilities, tech and firepower. No explanation required.
For Naru, her character arc is to overcome the obvious prejudice against her gender to her presentation of herself as a warrior. This is Naru’s running theme throughout the film but once she is convinced that the Predator alien is a real threat, her only motivation is to protect her people safe and of course, to survive her encounter with it.
Prey does a good job in creating the tense atmosphere as it constantly reminds us of predator vs prey dynamic out there in the wilderness. It is primal and visceral and holds no punches in that respect. A much superior film to the recent reboots of the franchise. Can we expect a sequel?
Prey is now streaming on Disney+.
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