Prey
★ ★★★
I am not a Predator enthusiast if such a thing exists. I was shown the first Predator film as a teenager and like most people, loved it. Whether it was lackluster reviews or sparse recommendations, I never felt inspired to check out the other installments. Prey does an amazing job of capturing the spirit that made the original film such a hit. This prequel strips away all the nuances that similar sci-fi/action flicks fall prey to (pun unattended). It does not overcomplicate the plot or get wrapped into useless dialogue. Director Dan Trachtenberg says, "Here's the hero. Here's the villain. Let's go."
What an amazing concept of placing the Predator on the Great Plains of 1719. It raises the stakes for the Comanche warrior, Naru (Amber Midthunder), that much more knowing that she has sparse tools at her disposal when battling this technologically advanced monster. It allows Trachtenberg to implement beautiful cinematography in both dramatic and action scenes that you don't normally see in this genre. The movie also hits on themes of feminism and technology without being heavy-handed. It knows what its audience came for; the Predator wreaking havoc. And don't worry, you get plenty of that.
Though the special effects looked pretty rough at times, I reveled in the practical effects where the Predator wasn't computer generated. That's when the movie really comes to life. You know from the get-go how this movie will conclude, but the simplistic way Prey tells this tale is surprising and invigorating.
