Fans of the Predator franchise by Jim Thomas and John Thomas can finally rejoice because Prey is the movie that we all might have been waiting for. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison, the film is produced by John Davis, Marty P. Ewing, John Fox and Jhane Myers under the banner of 20th Century Studios and Davis Entertainment. It is being distributed by Hulu (United States) and Disney+ (International).
Amber Midthunder, who is best known for her roles in Legion, Rosewell and New Mexico stars in the role of the protagonist Naru- a young Comanche warrior woman. She is joined by Dakota Beavers as Taabe and Dane DiLiegro as the Predator. The other cast members include Stormee Kipp, Michelle Thrush and Julian Black Antelope. The film has a runtime of 99 minutes.
– Hulu’s Prey Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers –
Prey: Humble Beginnings With Feministic and Emotional Core
The Predator franchise has had a tough time standing up to the expectations of the audience. Even the first movie in the franchise which has been a ground-breaking addition to the list of science fiction cinema is mostly remembered by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic ‘get to the chopper now’ imitations. It could have been because of the unawareness in regards to the alien villains our protagonists have been facing in the film series or the lack of emotional ground to make the films stand out. Thus, the mixed hype around Prey was a given. Yet the film succeeds to be the film that helps the franchise gain its footing in the world of reboots and spin-offs.
Set before the events of the 1987 movie, Prey takes place in the year 1719. Against the background of the Comanche Nation, it introduces us to a skilled warrior named Naru, who is fierce, determined and courageous. Hailing from a world that thrives on patriarchy, Naru’s skills as a warrior is not only unrecognized but, also discouraged. She, sure, has the support of certain people around her who try to empower her but, in the broader picture, it is a change about women becoming warriors that will take a long time.
This is until Naru’s tribe is threatened by the onset of a vicious, alien beast- The Predator. A creature of technological brilliance and evolution, Naru stalks her prey to know it and eventually hunt it. But, as she gets closer to her target the more threatening situations get for her and her tribe.
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Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey not only challenges the gender norms set by society but, also empowers everyone to not be dictated by fate but, to create one’s own destiny. The story unfolds as a thriller but, holds a deep drama beneath its layers of adventure and science fiction. The narrative has the right pacing to keep you hooked and wanting for more yet it never crosses a line to being repetitive with what we have already witnessed in the earlier films from the franchise.
The production design is smart and appreciable and, so are the actors. Amber Midthunder is a force to behold playing the protagonist Naru. Strong with her emotional vulnerabilities, Naru is a character that seems tailor-made for Midthunder to become the next action star in the industry. Her performance is indigenous, real and effortless. The supporting cast too delivers their best.
Prey: Final Verdict
If you look around, the present day is swimming in remakes, reboots and spin-offs. Unfortunately, not all of them are capable of impressing the audience. Furthermore, somewhere down the line, they ruin the legacy of the original ever made. Prey is a beautiful distraction from this massacre.
Prey has its own story to tell but, makes us all remember why Predator was such a massive hit in the first place. This is undoubtedly the prequel we have been eagerly waiting for and needed to find out more about the Predator world. With relevant themes of female power and family ties, the film is a journey one should opt for.
Prey is streaming now on Hulu.
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get out there’s a bomb in there, get out.
Will there be a chopper in this?