Prey Reviews

My friend at school recommended me this, I'm gonna go tomorrow and touch him inappropriately 😊.

Very cool addition to the Predators franchise, I like the environment and use of Native Americans

Probably my most unexpected “love” of the year. Awesome action, simple story, beautifully shot. Just a FUN 90 minutes. Lead actress crushed it!

This is why I love queue. Found this because of Jordan (whattup Jstone) and watched it bc @iamandrewfink raved about it this week

absolute cinema.

this predator actually scared the shit out of me.

hearing him run after naru had my heart pounding like if my teacher caught me cheating on a test in high school lmfao.

way faster & brutal. bro was doing fatalities like if he was playing mortal kombat, and i fucking loved everything about it.

the perfect amount of gore for my taste.

the suit, the eyes, the fucking bone mask is just truly remarkable.

easily the most visually pleasing films in the franchise, it’s incredibly shot, cinematic af, the vfx of the cloak was fucking phenomenal, sound design, wardrobe, locations, literally everything was astonishing.

that bear scene… wow. terrifying and beautiful at the same time.

loved the special touch of naru’s brother saying “if it bleeds, we can kill it” that line hit me like a spiritual echo and sent me straight to the jungle in ‘87 with prime arnold.

dakota is an absolute badass, her performance as naru should be studied, she absolutely nailed her role.

bro…. & that ending. how naru evolved and learned how the predator hunts is actually incredible. my jaw fucking dropped. absolutely phenomenal.

trachtenberg did a phenomenal job on the writing and directing. wow, truly incredible. this film deserves to be seen on the big screen, not on hulu.

i just keep getting more invested into the lore and i can’t fucking wait for badlands. what a franchise.

9.5 / 10

Great film but think it could have been better without the “Predator“ brand. But I know that it sells.

Quote: You want to hunt something that’s hunting you?

Character: Taabe

Moment: Taabe’s sacrifice

Rating: 8/10

Basically a very straightforward survival plot with some sweet unique action sequences with well that predator twist. Strangely there are one or two moments where it tries to be meditative on what being a hunter means for Naru’s personal journey but nothing really breaks new…

A nice movie, really captures the essence of the original and is very entertaining.

Don’t watch it

wow so underrated and so good ⭐️⭐️⭐️

a good movie, worth watching.

Fascinatingly unique, vicious is execution. The action here is top level, brutal but poetic to match the similar style of storytelling. The film was gorgeous from cinematography to special effects. Everything involving The Predator’s sound design was perfection. 4/5

This is AWESOME!

My favorite predator movie yet!!!! So wonderful to native people and respectful to their culture! Naru is incredible and you need to watch this movie! The gore is awesome and the effects are very good! 10/10

Prey finally gives us a worthy and way over due sequel. A simple story that follows similarly to the original, but still has a unique identity. With creative and fun action scenes, to the predator itself, this movie gives us everything needed for a good entry for this franchise.

loved the concept of them being after predators

I wish I could go back in time and punch myself in the dick for considering watching this horrible waste of time.

Oh, what a badass she is! I loved how she single-handedly fought against the predator, armed with cool gadgets and a fascinating native prehistoric fighting style. And as for the English colonisers—they never fail to make me root for their downfall.

Yeah, this was awesome. Apart for some very obvious cgi especially with the wild animals (I doubt they had a great budget) the visuals of this were gorgeous, the story was kinda typical but still felt refreshing, and the action was SO top notch. An amazing addition to the series.

Absolutely tough!

By far the best Predator yet. Well shot, executed, written, and acted. Amber Midthunder is a force.

Prey is the exhilarating 2022 American science fiction action horror film, directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison. Serving as a prequel and the fifth installment in the beloved Predator franchise, this film ingeniously rewinds the clock to 1719, setting the stage in the Northern Great Plains. It stars the incredibly compelling Amber Midthunder as Naru, a young Comanche woman determined to prove her prowess as a hunter, who finds herself facing off against a technologically advanced, vicious alien hunter, all while navigating the dangers of the wilderness and destructive French fur traders. My initial reaction was one of pure excitement – a back-to-basics Predator film with a fresh, historical setting and a unique protagonist. My overall impression is that Prey is a lean, mean, and incredibly effective survival thriller that revitalizes the Predator franchise, delivering a captivating human story alongside some of the most brutal and intelligent Predator action to date.

Rating:
7.9/10 ⭐️ (★★★★ - Excellent)
An excellent rating for a film that successfully strips down the Predator formula to its core, delivering a compelling and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game within a beautifully rendered historical setting, led by a standout performance.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): Prey excels at being a pure, unadulterated hunting story. The plot is elegantly simple: a determined young woman facing an apex predator. This simplicity allows for intense focus on character, suspense, and the mechanics of the hunt. The 1719 setting among the Comanche Nation is a brilliant move, offering a fresh context for the familiar alien threat and forcing the Predator to contend with primitive but ingenious human tactics. The pacing is masterful, slowly building tension before unleashing bursts of visceral action. The exploration of Naru striving to prove herself as a hunter against gender norms is a strong, resonant theme.
* Characters (Strengths): Amber Midthunder delivers a captivating and powerful performance as Naru. She embodies the character's intelligence, resilience, and quiet determination, making her an instantly rootable underdog. Naru's observational skills and resourcefulness are her true superpowers, and Midthunder conveys this brilliantly. Dakota Beavers as Taabe is a strong supporting character, providing a loving yet challenging dynamic with Naru. Dane DiLiegro's portrayal of the Feral Predator is incredibly effective; this Predator feels more agile, brutal, and truly alien than some previous iterations, with its primitive weaponry adding to its unique menace. The bond between Naru and her dog, Sarii (played by Coco), is genuinely endearing and provides welcome emotional beats and even some comedic relief.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Dan Trachtenberg's direction is a triumph. He understands the core appeal of the Predator franchise: the tension of the hunt and the ingenuity of human survival. The film is beautifully shot, allowing the vast landscapes to become an oppressive character in themselves. Trachtenberg masterfully builds suspense, often showing the Predator as an unseen force, observing and learning, before unleashing its destructive power. The fight choreography is grounded and brutal, emphasizing Naru's cleverness over brute force.
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): Jeff Cutter's cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, capturing the majesty and danger of the Northern Great Plains with a naturalistic approach. The use of anamorphic lenses enhances the epic scale. The practical and visual effects work on the Feral Predator are outstanding, making it a truly terrifying and believable creature. The sound design, which won an Emmy, is exceptional, heightening every rustle, every click, and every gruesome impact. Sarah Schachner's score is a standout, blending traditional orchestral elements with Native American instruments (provided by Robert Mirabal), creating an atmospheric and propulsive backdrop that perfectly complements the film's tone. The animated Plains-style hide painting for the main and end titles is a particularly inspired and beautiful touch.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: Prey is an incredibly engaging and thrilling watch from start to finish. It's a gripping survival story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering how Naru will outwit her formidable foe. The film's respect for Comanche culture and the authenticity it brings to the setting enhance the viewing experience immensely. It's a fresh take on a beloved franchise that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): While the simplicity is a strength, some might argue that the story is too simple, lacking the intricate plot twists or ensemble dynamics of other franchise entries. The French fur traders, while serving as a necessary antagonist, sometimes feel a bit one-dimensional compared to the primary conflict with the Predator.
* Characters (Weaknesses): Aside from Naru and Taabe, some of the other Comanche characters, while well-acted, don't get extensive individual development beyond their roles in the tribe.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): For viewers who prefer more complex lore or a larger ensemble cast, the film's focused narrative might feel a bit constrained, but this is a minor quibble given its overall success.

The Verdict:
Prey is a triumph for the Predator franchise, a leaner, more focused, and ultimately more terrifying installment that expertly reboots the series by going back to its primal roots. Dan Trachtenberg delivers a masterful survival thriller, anchored by Amber Midthunder's commanding performance as Naru, a truly iconic protagonist. The film is a visual and auditory feast, showcasing stunning cinematography, innovative action, and a powerfully evocative score. By placing the hunt within a rich, authentic Comanche setting, Prey feels fresh, respectful, and incredibly impactful. It's a definite recommendation for fans of action, horror, and anyone looking for a brilliantly executed cat-and-mouse thriller. Its success not only revitalized the franchise but also paved the way for exciting future projects like Predator: Killer of Killers.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: Prey is a near-perfect blend of science fiction, action, and horror. Its tone is consistently tense, primal, and often brutal, emphasizing the survival aspect. The historical setting allows for a unique blend of period drama with sci-fi elements.
* Target Audience: This film successfully caters to existing Predator fans who desired a return to the franchise's core appeal, as well as new audiences attracted by the compelling protagonist and unique setting. It's a mature film due to its violence and themes.
* Originality & Innovation: The film's originality lies in its prequel setting and its focus on a Comanche protagonist and culture, a refreshing departure from previous entries. The decision to offer a full Comanche language dub is also a significant innovation in mainstream cinema, enhancing authenticity. The redesign of the Predator to be more "feline" and "athletic" with primitive weaponry is an innovative take on the iconic creature.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): Prey explores themes of proving oneself, challenging societal expectations (especially for women), the conflict between indigenous cultures and colonial forces, and the timeless struggle between human ingenuity and overwhelming power. Naru's journey is one of self-discovery and resilience against seemingly impossible odds.
* Comparison to Other Films: It directly harks back to the survivalist horror-thriller roots of the original Predator (1987), feeling like a spiritual successor in its stripped-down approach. It also shares thematic elements with other survival films where a protagonist must use wit and environment to defeat a superior foe, but its specific cultural lens sets it apart. The success of Prey undoubtedly influenced the decision to make Predator: Killer of Killers an anthology, showcasing different historical hunts.