Prey Review

August 3, 2022 at 5:05pm
By Jason Stettner

While not exactly following in title, this is the latest entry in the Predator series. It’s a prequel of sorts that follows a skilled female warrior named Naru (Amber Midthunder) as she deals with a dangerous new presence. It’s set in the world of the Comanche Nation some three hundred years ago at the point of writing this.

The young woman feels some frustration among hunter peers and wants to hit a higher level. Along this journey of self proving she and her common tribe find themselves dealing with a unknown presence. Some laugh it off, but as more unsettling events take place the locals start to notice. It’s more singular centered than the group however.

It’s very much about this individual and at times her dog, as the two venture across gorgeous landscapes and take in the scenery. It’s a slower burn than some may be used to, but they effectively show the danger of this main Predator presence among other dangers that also existed at the time.

This was a really beautifully shot film, I wish I could have experienced it in a theater. It almost took away from the sense of wonder not being able to see this theatrically. For the most part this was a very good looking movie. The various core combatants looked grounded and the more streamlined casual style of keeping things focused on smaller groups was very effective.

That’s not to say you won’t see some seriously visceral moments from the Predator, just that they’re more impactful and central focused as opposed to being too large scale in conflict. I did find that some of the CGI for the animals didn’t look great. That being said, the work on the Predator was fantastic. The acting was also quite great from the group, really kept you in what was going on, with Midthunder being a very strong lead.

The Conclusion

Prey is by far the best entry in the series since the original, it’s a slower burn but one that is effective in its action bringing visceral combat with clever surprises. I liked that this film didn’t attempt to at all make any of the humans an equal to the Predator. This monstrous beast was unknown, and could easily handle human interference.

It took some strategy, slow learning of his move set and some deep cunning to really put up a threat. Even then, you know this Predator was a dangerous being to anyone in its way. I really enjoyed this film. It was excellent to take in visually, had strong characters with good development and was generally a blast.

I would have loved to see it in a theater, might have been even more effective to me. Aside from a slightly slow burn to get rolling, I don’t really have many complaints about this one. Smaller in scale, more intimate, and just as deadly.

Prey Review at Home with Streamed Viewing
Screening Provided by Disney

Rating Overall: 7.8