In terms of 80s movie monsters, the Predator has always been my personal favorite. Everything from the design to the concept itself is perfect in my eyes. Nevertheless, whereas the Alien franchise has multiple decent films in the series, Predator has never succeeded in delivering anything truly exceptional since the original 1987 debut.

Although I enjoy Predator 2 and even the 2010 film Predators, they are certainly filled with many flaws which have only worsened with each subsequent iteration. I didn’t even bother watching Shane Black’s 2018 entry, which was ripped apart by critics. Apparently Black’s The Predator was so bad it also relegated Prey to be released solely on the streaming platform Hulu (as well as Disney+ internationally). This is a real shame as I feel this film finally provides a satisfying hunt for all us Predator fans.

I was greatly looking forward to this entry as soon as I heard the premise. Set in 1719, it follows a tribe of Comanche hunters as they find themselves the prey of a master hunter from another world. It was directed by Dan Trachtenberg who also directed the 2016 film 10 Cloverfield Lane, which I found to be incredibly executed and a masterclass in cinematic tension.

It’s clear that Trachtenberg has carried over these skills into Prey. The film takes the franchise back to its roots with some wonderfully constructed action that captures both the brutality and ruthless efficiency of the Predator. I love the variety of weapons we get to see him use and the central hunt which comprises the narrative steadily builds to a satisfying conclusion. Additionally, I adore the way that the Predator himself is visually presented. He feels suitably imposing, but also has a more primal look, which complements the setting. The invisibility is cleverly utilized to create some visually dramatic and chilling violence. The film also never drags and you are quickly thrown into the action right away.

For the first time since the 1987 original, I also found myself caring for the human characters of the film. The relationship between the main protagonist, Naru and her brother is well done and they have a charming bond. Naru has a real character arc that (although not super original) is perfect for this particular story.

I also loved the cinematography and shot composition throughout Prey. The vast expanses of the Great Plains enhance the feeling of solitude, which then enhances the tension once our main character finds herself hunted. The wildlife of this biome is also utilized perfectly to enhance the major themes and craft  subtle parallels between the hunter and hunted. The Predator overcomes each of North America’s greatest apex predators to assert his dominance and slowly make his way up the food chain in an eternal quest for a real challenge. It’s the inclusion of these simple elements which shows Trachtenberg has a true understanding of the character.

As much as I enjoyed Prey, there are a couple of issues I have with it. There are a few pacing issues, especially in the beginning. One particular scene is somewhat awkwardly executed in order to drive home the main interpersonal conflict between Naru and her tribe. Additionally, the acting is spotty in a few scenes amongst the supporting cast of characters. Some dialogue was delivered in a way that came across a little stiff. It is also available to watch in the official Comanche dialect, and I’m wondering if the dub would erase this issue and allow the dialogue to flow more naturally.

Although I enjoyed how Prey pays homage to the original story and themes, the overall structure here is very similar and I could see some people having issues with this. Nonetheless, I find the new setting to provide enough dynamic conflict to the formula and I would love to see more sequels in a variety of time periods throughout human history. Overall though, I’m pleased with this entry in the franchise and I think its a must see for any fans of the Predator franchise.

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Prey

7

Score

7.0/10

Pros

• Awesome Action
• Solid main character
• Fresh Setting

Cons

• Some Pacing issues
• Stiff dialogue