Few series are more iconic and also more turbulent as the “Predator” franchise. What started as a fun, low-budget alien action film that bordered on horror spiraled into a series of high budget action films with increasingly low box office returns and increasingly low audience satisfaction. So it makes sense then that the now Disney-owned 20th Century Studios would drop this latest installment simply on Hulu. Which is a shame, because its arguably the best film in the entire series and might be the best action film of 2022 so far.
Set in 1719, “Prey” follows Amber Midthunder (“Legion,” “Roswell, New Mexico”) as Naru, a young Comanche warrior who wants to prove herself to her tribe and older brother Taabe, played by Dakota Beavers in his film debut, by completing “kuhtaamia”, a hunt of something that also is hunting you. Mix a young Predator and his more primitive weapons in and you have an interesting twist on the formula put in place by countless other films in the series.
Midthunder is absolutely incredible. She’s a fierce force during the action sequences, staking her claim as a potential future action star with her ability to throw herself into the set pieces. But she also nails the films emotional moments, with many harrowing encounters with the harshness of the wilderness and her tribe showcasing some great understated, and sometimes wordless, acting.
Beavers is also a standout. His is a great character in Taabe, balancing his support of Naru and his concern for her as well. He’s an absolute highlight and when he and Midthunder are on screen together, the movie shines. The supporting cast is rounded out with some great performances as well, like Michell Thrush (“Blackstone,” “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”) as Naru and Taabe’s mother Aruka, and some others that won’t be spoiled here.
Writer/director Dan Trachtenberg (“10 Cloverfield Lane”) and co-writer Patrick Aison (“Treadstone,” “Wayward Pines”) craft a consistently engaging action film that works on multiple levels for multiple reasons. Some are obvious, like how the film spends time characterizing the Predator himself, showcasing some of the ways he’s different and younger than those we’ve seen before. They also make sure the events of the film are paced perfectly to build tension and to make the arcs emotionally satisfying.
When the action starts to fly, it really starts to fly, and some impressive practical effects work and cinematography helps to sell the chaotic, alien action of it all. These are people who are far outmatched by the Predator and watch it all unfold is an adrenaline rush of an experience. It never feels cruel or mean, always set up and planned in effective, inventive ways, making sure to never lose track of the people at the center of the scenes, even as they might be getting butchered.
Outside of the action, the film is still exceptionally well shot. Cinematographer Jeff Cutter (“10 Cloverfield Lane,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)”) shoots the natural landscape with clarity and an eye for the beauty of the wooded landscapes. It serves as an effective contrast not only for the action that takes place within these landscapes, but also helps to calm the audience and characters once the action has subsided momentarily. The nighttime footage is also incredibly gorgeous, and there are multiple sequences of natural beauty so calming its almost arresting.
“Prey” is also the second film Trachtenberg has directed based on a property he did not initially create, after “10 Cloverfield Lane” and its also the second film in which he’s shown his innate talent to twist a familiar property into a new and unique vision without sacrificing what made it initially interesting. Anyone looking to revitalize their franchise who isn’t thinking of hiring him to do it should reevaluate their priorities.
If there’s anything to critique “Prey” for, its one thing outside of Trachtenberg and Midthunder’s control, and that’s the well-documented lack of a theatrical release. Why Disney decided to dump this straight to Hulu is a mystery, but where you watch it doesn’t change the fact that this is an exceptional action film, not only an easy high for the franchise, but also a movie that knows how to balance blood and adrenaline with emotion and deep characterization. It’s carried by Midthunder’s excellent performance, and one can only hope this isn’t the last fight we see between her and these alien hunters. 4.5/5
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