“Prey” is a movie that revitalizes the Predator franchise and shows Dan Trachtenberg’s skill in creating compelling films across genres. This film introduces a new Predator that is different from previous ones.
From its initial appearance, this “feral” Predator stands out with its unique weapons and a hunting style that feels more like a mythical beast than a space hunter.
Dan Trachtenberg wanted to offer something new with the Predator. He said, “It’s not about hiding, it’s about figuring out what to show, that can either be aggressive, or better build the tension, or be a little piece of storytelling that all builds upon itself.
That’s what fed into all of these things,” he told Collider. His approach makes the Predator seem terrifying even in its simplest form.
What Is ‘Prey’ About?
“Prey” is set in 1719 with a Comanche tribe preparing to hunt a cougar that has killed one of their members. Naru (Amber Midthunder), a member of the tribe, sees a storm in the sky and believes it’s her chance to prove herself as a hunter like her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers).
Unbeknownst to her, a Feral Predator has arrived on Earth. She must use all her hunting skills and cleverness to defeat it. After a tense battle, Naru kills the Feral Predator and brings its head to her village. The end credits suggest she might face more Predators in the future.
‘Prey’s Predator Is Terrifying, Even Without Complex Technology
The key difference in “Prey’s” Predator is its weaponry. Unlike other Predators with advanced weapons like razor-sharp discs and plasma casters, this Predator uses more primitive weapons, including a crossbow that shoots homing darts. It wears less armor, only a bone mask that gives it a frightening look. Trachtenberg explained, “Trophy hunters wearing a skull on your face is more Predator-y than just a biomask.”
The Feral Predator prefers close combat, unlike others who stalk their prey from a distance. An example is when it fights a grizzly bear, punching it, gutting it, and lifting the body triumphantly.
One standout feature of “Prey” is how Trachtenberg reveals the Feral Predator. The full reveal happens only at the 50-minute mark, making it all the more frightening.
Before this, the Predator is seen only in shadows, adding suspense. This contrasts with recent Predator films, which showed their creatures too early, reducing the suspense.
When the Predator Finally Appears, We Get One of ‘Prey’s Best Scenes
The full appearance of the Feral Predator leads to one of the best scenes in “Prey.” Naru and Taabe face fur trappers who plan to use them as bait. The Predator then reveals itself and kills the trappers in a gruesome manner. It’s an intense and inventive sequence, showcasing the Predator’s new abilities.
The Predator’s fearsome presence is due to Dane DiLiegro’s performance and the special effects by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr., who both worked on the original “Predator.” Gillis said, “Dan respectfully said to us, ‘I don’t want this to look like all of those other Predators.’ We were thrilled,” indicating their effort to create a new, creepier design.
“Prey” is available to watch on Hulu in the U.S.
