In 1987, director John McTiernan directed one of the greatest action films of all time. No, I’m not speaking of 1988’s DIE HARD, which he also directed and is also one of the greatest action films of all time. I am speaking of PREDATOR, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. A lot of credit belongs to writers Jim and John Thomas and the design of the Predator itself, which ultimately has spawned several sequels and a mythology that has lived on in film and comics. Surprisingly, the latest installment, PREY, might in fact be the best since the original.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and starring a cast composed of Native American actors, PREY is a prequel of sorts following Nauru (Amber Midthunder) who desperately wants to be a hunter. But as a female, her role is strongly urged toward gathering and preparing food, medicines and home life. The film structures this beautifully by visually telling the story rather than using a lot of dialogue. Nauru and her trusty dog are clearly incredible hunters, but there is a lingering doubt that her physical strength will not be what is needed in bigger hunts. Nauru’s older brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers) is the tribe’s current strongest hunter and supports his sister’s journey. All the relationships seem pure and natural without some of the extreme black and white opinions that lesser films or stories fall prey to.
Intertwined with Nauru’s story, we get glimpses of the Predator species’ possible first visit to earth, discovering each animal’s danger level and moving up the change before reaching the humans. It is a fascinating growth as we watch both characters, villain and hero, progressively learn until they finally meet head to head. The Predator alien has a slightly new design treating the species just as different from one another as humans can be. Our protagonist is fierce and the action throughout the film is downright thrilling.
Streaming on Hulu, PREY is making history as the first film dubbed in Comanche and the first time a film has premiered in a Native language alongside the English version. If you haven’t seen any Predator films, correct that mistake immediately. However, PREY stands on its own even if you haven’t seen the other films. Director Dan Trachtenberg tells a compelling story with visuals with exciting action and story, but with a restraint to edit himself to sharing only the essentials. PREY is not only a solid installment into the Predator franchise, PREY is a shockingly fantastic film of any kind.
