Prey (2022)

Prey is a 2022 science fiction action film directed by Dan Trachtenberg. It serves as a prequel to the previous Predator films, exploring the first arrival of a Yautja on Earth. Set in the early 18th century, the film follows a young Comanche warrior named Naru who strives to prove herself as a capable hunter while facing an alien Predator that threatens her tribe.

The film was praised for its stripped-down survival narrative, historical authenticity, and fresh take on the Predator mythology.

Release Information

Release Date: August 5, 2022 (Hulu – USA, Disney+ – Intl.)
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Writer: Patrick Aison
Producer: Jhane Myers, John Davis, Marty Ewing
Studio: 20th Century Studios
Runtime: 100 minutes
Rating: R
Budget: ~$65 million (estimated)
Box Office: Streaming release (no theatrical box office)

Synopsis

Set in the Northern Great Plains in 1719, Prey follows Naru, a skilled Comanche tracker and aspiring hunter who struggles to earn recognition among her male peers. As a mysterious threat begins to kill both human and animal predators in the area, Naru sets out to uncover the cause.

She eventually discovers that the creature is a Yautja, a Predator that has come to Earth to hunt for sport. Naru must use her knowledge of nature, quick thinking, and ingenuity to survive and ultimately defeat the alien hunter — proving herself in the process.

Main Cast

Amber Midthunder as Naru
Dakota Beavers as Taabe
Dane DiLiegro as The Predator (Feral Predator)
Stormee Kipp as Wasape
Michelle Thrush as Aruka
Julian Black Antelope as Chief Kehetu
Bennett Taylor as Raphael Adolini

Characters

Naru: A young Comanche woman determined to prove herself as a hunter. Intelligent and resourceful, she becomes Earth's first human to defeat a Predator.
Taabe: Naru’s older brother, a respected warrior who initially doubts her but ultimately supports her.
Feral Predator: A primitive Yautja variant, testing itself against Earth's most dangerous species using less-advanced gear.
French Trappers: Colonial hunters who also encounter the Predator, serving as both antagonists and fodder for the alien’s hunt.

Predator Technology

The Feral Predator uses early Yautja hunting tools, including:

Bone-plated helmet with thermal vision
Wrist blades
Bolt-launching shoulder cannon (non-plasma)
Cloaking device
Net trap and bear trap tech
Self-destruct mechanism (similar to later Predators)

The design emphasizes a more primal, tribal aesthetic compared to the high-tech look of later Yautja.

Themes

Empowerment and Identity: Naru’s journey from underestimated girl to tribal protector is central to the film.
Colonialism and Survival: The film depicts the encroachment of European powers and indigenous resistance.
Predator Lore Origins: The film shows early Predator interactions with humans and introduces the flintlock pistol, later seen in Predator 2.
Natural vs. Alien Predator: Naru’s understanding of nature allows her to defeat a far superior hunter.

Production

Prey was filmed under the working title "Skulls" and aimed to surprise fans as a low-key Predator origin story. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane), the film used real Comanche language consultants and was released with a full Comanche dub — a first for a Hollywood film.

The Predator suit was designed by StudioADI (Amalgamated Dynamics), with a new, more primal design for the Feral Predator. Filming took place in Alberta, Canada.

Reception

Prey was critically acclaimed and considered the best entry in the franchise since the original Predator. Critics praised its cinematography, performance by Amber Midthunder, and its back-to-basics approach.

Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Metacritic: 71/100
Audience Score: Overwhelmingly positive

The film became Hulu’s most-watched premiere ever and revitalized interest in the Predator franchise.

Legacy

First Predator film to feature a female protagonist
Introduced the flintlock pistol seen in Predator 2 (1715 engraving)
Suggested long history of Predator hunts on Earth
Opened possibilities for future time-period-based sequels (e.g., Samurai era, World Wars)

External Links

Prey (film)

Contents