Director – Dan Trachtenberg
Starring – Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers and Dane DiLiegro
Runtime – 99 minutes
Release date – 5th August 2022
Plot – Naru, a skilled warrior of the Comanche Nation, fights to protect her tribe against one of the first highly-evolved Predators to land on Earth.
REVIEW:
After the disappointment of 2018’s “The Predator,” my expectations for the franchise had waned. Despite Shane Black’s return, this time in the director’s chair, the film fell flat with poor editing, lacklustre humour, and a convoluted plot. Given its box-office failure, I had lost hope for the franchise, especially with Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, which suggested a lengthy hiatus for both Predator and Alien films.
Rumours then emerged about a new film, initially titled “Skull,” under the direction of Dan Trachtenberg of “10 Cloverfield Lane” fame. Trachtenberg originally intended to keep its status as a Predator movie a surprise, avoiding any reveals even in the marketing. This would have been a thrilling approach, but in today’s spoiler-filled world, it was eventually disclosed that “Prey” would be the next instalment, set 300 years ago in the world of the Comanche Nation.
To address the pressing questions: does “Prey” surpass the original? No, it does not. However, it is undoubtedly the best sequel. Director Dan Trachtenberg and writer Patrick Aison clearly understood fan expectations, delivering a straightforward yet gripping tale of a Comanche warrior tracking and battling a Predator that hunts for sport and collects trophies. “Prey” strikes a balance between nostalgia and a fresh, exciting direction for the franchise. The prospect of future Predator encounters with history’s greatest warrior groups, such as samurai or Vikings, is particularly enticing.
Amber Midthunder shines as the film’s lead, delivering a breakout performance that is likely to catapult her career. While the supporting cast also excels, it is Midthunder’s portrayal of Naru, a determined hunter seeking to protect her tribe, that drives the story. Cinematographer Jeff Cutter deserves praise for his stunning imagery, capturing the primal landscapes of the American Midwest in stark contrast to the Predator’s advanced technology.
The Predator’s design in “Prey” is notably distinct. Dubbed the “Feral Predator,” this iteration abandons the familiar metal mask and shoulder-mounted plasma gun for a skull mask, likely a trophy from a previous kill, and a laser-guided dart gun. This more primitive technology fits seamlessly into the historical setting. The film effectively portrays the Predator as less experienced than previous versions, making its encounters with the skilled yet unproven Naru all the more compelling.
“Prey” delivers on the gore and gruesome deaths that are hallmarks of the franchise, featuring plenty of blood—both red and green. This film has reignited my enthusiasm for the Predator series, and I hope Disney/Fox can maintain this momentum. The future of the franchise looks promising, and I eagerly anticipate where it will go next.