Prey, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane) and written by Patrick Aison, strips the Predator franchise down to its core elements, resulting in a visceral, focused, and ultimately superior entry. Set 300 years before the original film in the Northern Great Plains of 1719, this prequel succeeds by de-emphasizing the franchise’s intellectual property and focusing instead on a singular, compelling story of survival. The plot revolves around Naru (Amber Midthunder), a young Comanche woman who dreams of proving herself as a hunter within her tribe, despite the entrenched gender expectations that see her as a healer. Her quest for respect takes a terrifying turn when a formidable, humanoid alien arrives—the first Predator—hunting for sport and trophies.
The film instantly establishes itself as a high-stakes survival thriller, masterfully restoring the tension that was often lost in previous sequels. Trachtenberg’s direction, paired with lush, cinema-worthy cinematography by Jeff Cutter, creates a breathtaking yet dangerous wilderness backdrop. This setting, the traditional land of the Comanche Nation, becomes the perfect stage for the ultimate “Most Dangerous Game” scenario. The Predator’s modus operandi remains the same—a technologically advanced hunter seeking a worthy challenge—but here, its retrofitted armor and weaponry feel appropriately primitive yet deadly, making the conflict between the alien and the indigenous warriors all the more fascinating.
Amber Midthunder: A Breakout Action Star
The resounding success of Prey rests squarely on the shoulders of Amber Midthunder. Her portrayal of Naru is nothing short of magnetic. She is a determined, highly observant, and resourceful protagonist who uses her wits and knowledge of the land as much as her physical strength. Naru is constantly underestimated—first by the males in her tribe, particularly her brother Taabe (a scene-stealing Dakota Beavers), and later by the Predator itself. This underestimation becomes Naru’s secret weapon, a theme that elevates the film beyond a simple monster mash.
Midthunder brings a kinetic energy to the role, fully commanding the screen through expertly choreographed action sequences and quiet moments of tracking and planning. Watching Naru hone her skills, utilizing her custom tomahawk-on-a-rope, and eventually transitioning from the hunted to the definitive hunter is cathartic. Her journey of earning the title of War Chief is earned through grit, intelligence, and a chilling final confrontation that rivals the best moments of the original Predator. The dynamic between Naru and Taabe, an easygoing but competitive sibling relationship, adds a crucial emotional core, deepening the stakes when the real danger appears.
Precision and Brutality: Appreciating the Stunt Choreography
The action in Prey is defined by its raw physicality and precision, earning high praise for its stunt work and choreography. Unlike the heavily armored, explosive set pieces of modern action films, the combat here feels grounded and brutally intimate, focusing on agility, primitive weaponry, and environmental awareness. Naru’s fluid movements—a testament to Amber Midthunder’s own background and the commitment to practical stunts—are a highlight, especially in sequences like her escape from the bog pit or the masterful final confrontation. The fight choreography ensures that the Predator, despite its technological advantage, never feels unbeatable; Naru’s strategy is always rooted in observation and quick-witted improvisation, such as the famous use of the flintlock pistol and the Predator’s own mask. The kinetic action, including the seamlessly executed slides, jumps, and rapid archery, keeps the pace electric and makes Naru’s ultimate victory feel genuinely earned through skill and sheer tenacity, distinguishing this film’s action from its predecessors.
Social Nuance and Gory Thrills
Prey skillfully integrates socio-political subtext into its thrilling narrative without becoming heavy-handed. By setting the film in 1719, it inherently centers the perspective of the Comanche people, portraying them not as “savages” but as the intelligent, heroic guardians of their land. The introduction of the French voyageurs, bloodthirsty fur traders who are indiscriminately slaughtering buffalo, adds a layer of human villainy. These colonial antagonists, even more villainous than the Predator, become literal cannon fodder for the alien, offering a cathartic commentary on the real-world “predators” of the time. The film is refreshingly clear-eyed about the violence of the era, presenting the Predator as just another foreign power attempting to conquer and exploit.
While some of the CGI animals fall short, the overall production value is excellent. The R-rated violence is appropriately gory and impactful, with the Predator’s neon-green blood creating some unforgettable visual moments, including Naru’s use of it as war paint. The post-credits scene, which foreshadows the arrival of more Predator vessels through the medium of ledger art, is a brilliant and culturally resonant touch that avoids the typical sequel tease. Despite being released straight to streaming on OTT (a decision that feels like a missed opportunity for a theatrical spectacle), Prey is a lean, thrilling, and character-driven B-movie masterpiece. It captures the spirit of the 1987 original while completely revamping and deepening the core concept, resulting in a franchise high point and establishing Amber Midthunder as a formidable new action hero.
CINEMA SPICE RATING: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
