Why 'Prey' Is One Of The Best Entries In The 'Predator' Franchise
Image source: Kinorium
A sudden rustle out in the brush. The sharp crack of a branch split in two off in the distance. Creaks and groans carrying across the wind that whistles through leaves that dapple the sunlight - and a burgeoning feeling, even a sense of suspicion. Then the realisation of a primitive fear - a universal one. The fear that, in the light of day and the pitch-black of night…. You are being hunted. And you have to think quickly to survive.
This inborn fear and the intelligence to survive when faced with it are qualities that the long-flagging Predator franchise appears to have forgotten - and are inarguably qualities that made the alien hunter’s first outing in the much-lauded Predator (1984, dir. John McTiernan) so iconic. Unfortunately, this forgetfulness has led to a decades-long flood of conflicting lore, goofy sci-fi genre trappings, and thoughtless gore that had left many cinemagoers asking - could the franchise ever truly recapture the spirit of the once-mysterious alien hunter? Could the fear that stalked Schwarzenegger and his team through the humid jungles of nowhere-but-abroad be revived?
RELATED:
Prey (2022) - the series’ first prequel, released August 5th - directed by Dan Trachtenberg (10: Cloverfield Lane, etc.) answers that question with an emphatic ‘yes, and I’m setting it 300 years ago, too.’ Taking account of its iconic origin, whilst offering a fresh perspective amongst lush camerawork, strong characters, and some of the tightly edited tension and fight scenes put to screen in recent years- it can be said to be one of the best entries in the Predator franchise, and perhaps the best since Predator itself.
Set upon the Great Northern Plains of California in the early 1700s, we follow the journey of an instantly memorable pair of protagonists - a teenage Comanche girl named Naru (Amber Midthunder) and her trusty dog Sarii (Coco). Restricted by the expectations of her community, we follow Naru as she tries to prove herself - despite what her caring brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers) and his hunting party say. Unbeknownst to them all, however, Naru will end up unexpectedly proving herself- by coming up in a battle of wits against a genuinely terrifying rendition of the spine-taking Predator.
Image source: Kinorium
Naru’s story, and the story of her culture, feel presented in a way that is both authentic and whole- with high points of emotion that punctuate a tight script with little in the way of fat and the added authenticity of spoken Comanche in dialogue (a full Comanche dub will be available). Midthunder performs exceptionally alongside a primarily First Nations cast, blending Naru’s assumed rugged capability as a member of the Comanche Nation with a whip-smart logic and vulnerability that feels effortlessly natural- and plays expertly into the snare-tight plot of the film. Sarii is also a constant highlight - in a shadow of the dog in Mad Max II: Road Warrior, an influence noted by Trachtenberg- acting as the ball of sunshine and comedic touch the film needs.
Amidst some truly subtle and emotive character-building and sparse, well-timed moments of comedy, Prey refuses to pull its punches when it comes to tension and action, tinged with horror. Taking every moment it can to ratchet up the pressure upon the introduction of the Predator himself- almost a tease, in a ‘bomb-under-the-table’ moment, in constant parallel to Naru’s journey. The tension in every scene is thick and palpable, never letting up for a moment in an unrelenting push that leaves the viewer guessing in every quiet moment that the Predator is out there- watching patiently.
Image source: Kinorium
The franchise’s namesake returns to the core of what makes him a truly terrifying, iconic film antagonist - mystery, combined with a confident lethality and sense of sport that truly embodies the terror of becoming Prey. So it is a relief that - until the explosive reveal that’ll have you squirming and jumping in your seat, the Predator himself is used sparingly throughout. With little in the way of glory shots (save for moments too good to spoil) in the hard light of a bio-lab, the blessed absence of the ‘know-it-all’ expository side-character, and the perfect balance of stealth and brutality, the film gives just enough of everything we know about the Predator to be familiar - whilst giving him back the iconic mystique that first elevated the Predator to an apex sci-fi horror icon alongside the Xenomorph.
Prey is a passionately directed, lovingly shot, bitingly-tense action-thriller with a strong emotive core and genuinely heart-pounding action - although the heavy use of CGI in some scenes may be disappointing compared to the stunning practical effects also used. Without a weak performance, a moment to question the tight logic, or a weak action set-piece, the film skimps on nothing- and leaves the viewer a little breathless once it happens to all be over, trying to count just how many limbs they saw flying. So, with a healthy recommendation, give it a spin- it could easily be said to be one of the best action flicks of the year.
Prey (2022) is now available to stream as a Star Original on DISNEY+ in the United Kingdom and is currently streaming exclusively to Hulu in the United States.
READ NEXT:
