Prey (2022) - Movie Review

Prey Review

Cody Leach reviews Prey, the Hulu Predator film set in the 1700s. It follows Comanche hunter Naru as she tries to prove herself while a Predator arrives to hunt. Leach jokes about the creature’s “camouflaged face” and says the film’s back-to-basics setup had him excited from the start.

What Works

Leach’s biggest praise is that Prey returns the franchise to a simpler, wilderness-based hunt: one Predator, a central protagonist, and people relying on bows, spears, and survival skills rather than modern weapons. The Predator’s more limited technology makes the fights feel balanced, tense, and visceral.

He also praises the choreography, the varied landscapes, Dan Trachtenberg’s direction, and the brisk pacing. He likes Naru and Amber Midthunder’s physical performance, as well as Naru’s arc as she tries to prove she can be a hunter. Leach calls the story effective but familiar, and says it isn’t heavy-handed.

Criticisms

Leach finds that the characters’ modern-sounding English feels out of place. He is interested in seeing the Comanche-language version, which he thinks may better suit the setting.

He also feels that Naru’s brother and the other tribe members are clichéd, and would have preferred more focus on Naru and her dog. The fully CGI wolf, lion, and bear are noticeable to him, though he acknowledges that the effects look good.

Overall Verdict

Leach calls Prey a very good entry and arguably the strongest sequel since the original, while still considering the 1987 film in a league of its own. He closes with his usual crude joke about opinions and plugs his other reviews and an upcoming Predator ranking.

Personalities mentioned: Cody Leach, Amber Midthunder (Naru), and Dan Trachtenberg.