Thoughts about Prey (2022)
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The relationship between humans and the alien species known as the "Predators" goes back a long way. Just how long depends on who is telling the story. Alien vs. Predator (2004) suggests Predators had been using Earth as a hunting ground for thousands of years. At the end of Predator 2 (1990), the human survivor is given a pistol from 1719 as a trophy. Prey explores these ideas further. It poses the question: What if a slightly less-advanced Predator came to Earth to hunt and encountered native-americans? Would his strength and advanced weapons allow him to mow through them with ease? Or would these folks, hardened and honed by lifetimes of living off the land, who are experienced in the hunt, and accustomed to battle be more than he bargained for?
Amber Midthunder stars as Naru, a young Comanche woman living in the North American Great Plains in 1719. She is seeking to prove herself as a hunter within her tribe and to her older brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers), who is trying to discourage her from the idea. After a failed attempt at killing a mountain lion, Naru goes in search of a larger beast whose tracks she had found during the previous hunt. The "beast" turns out to be an alien Predator, dropped off by his fellows to collect whatever trophies he wishes. Naru's skills, ingenuity, and courage are put to the test as she contends with the dangers of the wild, members of her own tribe, hostile French fur traders, and an alien killer who should be more than her match.
Fans of previous Predator films will notice differences in this version of the creature from what they have seen before. This Predator seems to have less body armor. It seems slimmer. Its helmet seems less sophisticated. Some have suggested this is beause it reflects Predator technology from almost 300 years prior to the first film, but since the race is space-spanning and have their invisibility tech, I suspect it may be because the hunters equip themselves in accordance with what they are hunting. A Predator wouldn't take the same gear he uses for a dozen buff soldiers with automatic weapons to hunt bears and people using bows and arrows. Where would be the sport in that?
Prey has received a mostly positive response from critics and viewers. I feel this is deserved. The notion of pitting a monstrous hunter from space up against human hunters in their own element is an intriguing idea. (A similar notion was explored in the comics short series "Tarzan vs. Predator: At the Earth's Core" (1996).) The performances by Midthunder and Beavers are very good and their relationship is the heart of the film.
If I had a quibble to make, it would be that Naru comes a little too close to being preternaturally gifted at times - or perhaps, just unbelievably lucky. Frankly, a young Comanche - female or male - seems an unlikely match for a Predator. But such mis-matches are the stuff thrilling stories are made of.
Prey is a good entry in the Predator saga. It may encouage film-makers to explore Predators fighting humans in other times and places - feudal Japan, medieval Europe, WWII Germany, etc. But this approach could quickly become over-used. At some point, if the series is to continue, I think it may be necessary to see more of the Predator homeworld, to see more of their place in the Universe, and what their fascination is with humans.
- JC