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The Predator franchise has always been a mixed bag, with the best entries sticking to a relatively simple concept of a single alien hunter facing off against a group of tough humans. However, I do have a soft spot for the underrated Predators film from 2010. After the disappointment of The Predator (2018), the franchise was caught in a rut. Thankfully Director Dan Trachtenberg decided to bring the franchise back to its roots with energy and brutal slayings for both new and old generations to enjoy. Prey is a surprising hit of the summer.  Naru (Amber Midthunder) is a young tribe woman determined to prove herself as a hunter in the Comanche tribe. Most don't see it and her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers) is far more popular and equally dismissive of her skills, which are impressive though still in the early stages of cultivation. She stumbles, misses shots, and even gets knocked out, but not before she sees signs of a strange new creature that is intent on killing any living thing it considers a challenge. She isn't the infallible heroine that some people were wary of. Before the predator and Naru ever meet, we see parallel scenes of them both dispatching challenges as they head toward the inevitable confrontation. As a story element, this is excellent because even without dialogue or franchise knowledge, we can tell this predator is still learning, adapting, and does get worn down, just like our protagonist, and this adds weight to both predator and prey alike.  Little dialogue is needed and adds to the level of visual storytelling. Animals are severed, and spines are ripped out with the gore that fans of the franchise have come to expect. When the others finally believe Naru, there are thrilling scenes of fellow tribesmen and french trappers trying their best to wear the hunter down with ambushes and teamwork that draws us into the unexpected time this new film plants us in. Unexpected but welcome. The film doesn't seem to spend much time with subliminal messages, nor is it necessary. It delivers on what it promises as a violent thriller. Naru's action scenes are engaging through utilizing her agility and nimble footing to climb trees, dive beneath the water, and traverse a beautifully shot cliffside overlooking the forest. Likewise, Jeff Cutter's cinematography looks fantastic. He and Trachtenberg go above and beyond to make each time of day and natural setting stand on their own with nothing overblown or seemingly exaggerated, and even before the main antagonist removes his camouflage, we're seeing a beautiful but dangerous world with fierce creatures that Naru hasn't learned how to defeat yet.  Midthunder brings a fiery spirit to Naru with wide eyes that show panic when she makes mistakes and a brave voice when she stands her ground. The relationship between her and Taabe is relatable and could have easily been explored more in the first act, but the one thing longtime fans will be wondering is if the infamous predator looks as fierce as they remember. The answer is an undeniable yes. He growls and snarls with menace, utilizing gadgets that are far advanced and yet, in this entry, seem a little archaic to fit the decades-long story. The film is rated R for nothing other than the bloody violence, which is not overblown but just right. Trachtenberg has a keen eye for action. After the isolated interiors of 10 Cloverfield Lane, he widens his scope with the ever-changing landscapes here, with many new chapters having a new color in focus as the story goes from day to night. That being said, people will debate over a few shots for days. Are they CGI? Are they good visually? I speculate that some troubles may come with the fact that the film was compressed for streaming purposes, but I'm no expert. I do know that some of the lines in the film were questionable regarding historical accuracy. Perhaps I'll enjoy it more when I rewatch the film in Comanche. Nevertheless, these problems are common trade among action films, and all the other pieces come together to put it above average. Prey captures the intensity and simplicity of the original film but stands on its own as a well-crafted thriller. Follow HorrOrigins on Social Media
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