Prey: Disney Didn't Ruin It

After Disney acquired the "Predator" franchise, there were valid concerns about the direction the series would take. Would the once gritty, violent sci-fi horror get watered down into something more family-friendly? Thankfully, "Prey" defies those fears and delivers a film that does justice to the "Predator" legacy, proving to be a strong prequel with its own unique identity while maintaining the core elements fans love.

Prequel That Expands on Franchise Lore

One of the standout aspects of "Prey" is how it ties into the larger "Predator" universe. Acting as a prequel, the film cleverly revisits a key piece of "Predator" lore—the mysterious flintlock pistol given to the cop in "Predator 2". Finally, we get to explore the origins of that weapon, giving longtime fans a sense of satisfaction and continuity. This attention to detail shows respect for the franchise’s history, something that could easily have been lost under new ownership.

A Protagonist Who Grows on You

At the beginning of the film, Naru, the main character, can come off as a bit frustrating. Her constant need to prove herself feels reminiscent of the type of “activist hero” trope that has become a staple in some Disney films. However, as the movie progresses, she evolves into a much more compelling and relatable character. Her determination and intelligence become her strongest assets, and by the end, she wins over the audience by outwitting the Predator, rather than relying on brute strength alone.

This evolution makes her journey satisfying to watch, especially as she navigates the dangers not just from the Predator, but from the environment and human threats alike. The film doesn’t force her development; instead, it unfolds naturally, making her triumph in the end all the more deserved.

Visually Stunning and Thoughtfully Dark

"Prey" makes excellent use of its setting, with the darkness of the forest playing a pivotal role in building suspense. Unlike some of the previous films in the "Alien vs Predator" series, the darkness here is used strategically—it’s never so overwhelming that you can’t see what’s happening, but just enough to keep you on edge. The fight scenes, like the one with the mountain lion, are thrilling and terrifying, with just the right amount of visibility to maintain tension.

Even the daytime scenes are well-executed. The sense of being watched, which was so prominent in the original "Predator" film, is recreated in a more subtle manner in "Prey". There’s no IR vision or Predator tech perspective here, but the ever-present feeling of impending danger is palpable throughout the film.

Predators, Dangers, and an Unseen World

"Prey" brilliantly incorporates more than just the Predator as a threat. We see Naru face off against natural dangers like the lion, the treacherous mud, and the French colonizers. These additional threats heighten the tension, reminding the audience that even without the Predator, Naru’s world is filled with peril. The constant sense of vulnerability adds layers to the movie, and ‌the audience is left wondering what will strike first—the environment or the extraterrestrial hunter.

There’s also an impending sense of doom throughout the film, underscored by the music and background score. The gradual reveal of the Predator’s presence, with glimpses of slaughtered animals, such as the wolf and bison, builds a chilling atmosphere. The Predator is shown to be new to Earth, experimenting and exploring the ecosystem before fully unleashing its terrifying hunting methods.

Predator’s Character Build-Up

In “Prey”, the Predator is given more depth as a character. His intelligence and ruthlessness are evident, especially in scenes like when the Frenchman plays dead, only to be quickly discovered and killed. These moments build the Predator’s mystique, making him feel like an unstoppable force—a monster that’s learning and evolving as it hunts.

The movie strikes a great balance between showing the Predator’s capabilities while keeping him hidden just enough to maintain the fear of the unknown. By the time we reach the showdown, the Predator feels like a truly terrifying opponent, worthy of the build-up.

A New Colonial Angle and Cultural Perspective

"Prey" also adds a refreshing colonial angle to the “Predator” story. Set in 18th-century North America, the film provides a different cultural perspective, following the Comanche people as they face this new extraterrestrial threat. It’s a unique approach, giving viewers a chance to see how another civilization would handle a Predator, far removed from the modern soldiers and mercenaries we’re used to seeing.

The interaction between Naru and her brother, along with their Comanche tribe, is well done. The film respects the culture and setting while weaving in the science-fiction elements seamlessly. The foreshadowing of her brother’s death, hinted at by his overconfidence, is a subtle yet effective narrative touch.

The Predator’s Return: A Double-Edged Victory

While Naru’s victory over the Predator is a satisfying conclusion, there’s an underlying irony to it. Inadvertently, by defeating the Predator, she essentially invites more of them to Earth. Her victory marks the planet as a challenge to the Predators, setting up the possibility of future hunts, which adds an interesting layer to the story. It’s a bittersweet triumph that hints at a larger and ongoing battle to come.

Brains Over Brawn: A Smart Finale

The final trap Naru sets for the Predator is a clever callback to the original "Predator" film, where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character uses his wits to outsmart the creature. However, unlike the first film’s wrestling match between man and monster, "Prey" takes a more cerebral approach. Naru uses her intelligence and the environment to turn the tables on the Predator, proving once again that it’s not always about brute strength, but about strategy and resourcefulness.

 Conclusion: A Triumph of Sci-Fi Horror

Overall, "Prey" is a fantastic addition to the "Predator" franchise and a film that, despite initial concerns about Disney’s involvement, delivers on all fronts. The acting, world-building, and suspense are all top-notch, and the film strikes a perfect balance between action and horror. It successfully builds on the "Predator" mythos, expanding the universe while staying true to its roots.

For fans of the franchise, "Prey" is a must-watch. It proves that, even after all these years, the "Predator" still has plenty of fight left in it.