Prey – 2022 – United States
Prey is the fourth sequel to Predator (1987), and it might be the best movie in the series. Is it better than the original? Maybe. Is it better than any of the other sequels? Definitely.
Prey puts an interesting spin on the Predator formula. The movie is set in Canada in 1719. The protagonist is a young Comanche woman who wants to become a hunter for her tribe. While undergoing a rite of passage to prove her hunting skills, she stumbles upon the Predator, and the two hunt each other through the ruggedly scenic Canadian wilderness.
Prey deploys a wide range of themes, and the main character, Naru, is surprisingly developed. As far as Predator movies go, Prey takes itself pretty seriously, which is admirable. Themes of sexism are explored as the men in her tribe ridicule Naru for defying her gender role to become a hunter. Themes of conservation are explored when the Comanche way of hunting is compared to that of a sadistic group of French fur traders. Themes of naturalism are explored as the predator and prey relationship between various animals is depicted. Naru has a nice dog companion, and although the dog doesn’t die, almost every other animal in this movie does. At one point, the Predator wrestles a bear and tears it apart with his bare hands.
Compared to past Predator movies, Prey is a little more grounded and realistic. I especially liked the low-key, naturalistic lighting, and scenic locations. That being said, there is still plenty of over-the-top action. Naru wields a throwing axe on a rope so she can pull it instantly back to her hand. Meanwhile, the Predator has homing darts, a razor-edged bulletproof shield, and nets that tighten around a victim and cut them to pieces. The Predator’s new mask looks cool.
Of all the Predator movies, this is the one that comes closest to criticizing the pointless violence of sport hunting. The Predator is depicted as a cruel, destructive force rather than an honorable hunter. As a person who thinks sport hunting is gross, I appreciate this direction.
Prey has a Comanche-language dub done by the original cast. Wow!
Rating: 8/10 Shrunken Heads
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