Streaming Sundays: Prey (2022)

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Hulu’s summer hit, Prey, was an instant hit for the streaming platform and it makes sense why. The prequel managed to breathe new life into the franchise with an original story and compelling action sequences.

Prey (2022) is the latest installment of the Predator franchise set 300 years ago in the early Americas. We follow the story of Naru, a young Comanche Nation warrior, who is trying to earn her ranks in their advanced band of hunters. When Naru fails to capture a lion during her first hunting ceremony, she is encouraged by her brother, Taabe, and the rest of the skilled hunters to give up on the hunt. Although the movie has a predictable ending, the story is entertaining and unique.

The brilliance of setting the Predator prequel during a time period that we normally do not see within the Sci-Fi genre is one of the many great accomplishments of the film. The setting and characters melded seamlessly into a story that bends and combines genres. In Prey, we get a survivalist, science fiction-period drama that audiences haven’t seen before. It isn’t overly complicated nor does it have an excessive runtime. There is enough action, drama, and intrigue to be one of the greatest films to come out this year. 

Prey put up significant numbers for Hulu, premiering at the top of their streaming charts this summer. I heard so many great things about this film, but I held off watching it because I was never a fan of the franchise. This all changed when I watched the film. Immediately from the opening scenes, I was gripped by the story – it felt like visiting a foreign land. The metaphors throughout the film of different animals battling against each other – kill or be killed. The visuals prepare audiences for the predator to make its appearance. It also helps provides clarity on the predator’s motive for being on Comanche lands.

Naru is the best animal tracker in her tribe and is set up to be the equal of the predator because they hunt in similar ways. Naru hides out of sight when anticipating the lion, while the predator does the same when he is about to launch an attack on his prey. Naru has innovative weaponry that allows her to be more agile. The predator also has technologically advanced hunting weapons that allow him to hunt more efficiently. 

As the film progresses, Naru learns how to turn her perceived weakness into strength by assessing the predator’s weakness before confronting it. Much like the predator’s heat-seeking goggles that evaluate the threat level of his prey based on the weapons they carry. All the hunting men surrounding Naru throughout the story do not take much time to assess the threat level of the predator. They treat the predator like Naru. They go in for the attack and underestimate the skill that Naru and the predator have. By the end of the film, it only makes sense that the final confrontation comes down to Naaru in the predator. 

The predator underestimates Naru as the “prey” while Naru’s tribesman underestimates Naru as a warrior. As the story often goes, David triumphs over Goliath as Naru triumphs over the predator. In Prey, we know that Naru is our final girl, but the story’s unique setting, measured action sequences, and natural approach to the plot create a fun journey that all can enjoy.

Prey is now available to stream on Hulu.