The 2022 science fiction “prequel” Prey gives us beginnings that are not quite so simple as they first appear. There is, as they say, a whole lot more going on here than meets the eye. Sure the “first” predator comes in contact with a Comanche warrior. However, it is a warrior that is a woman and a medicine woman at that.
Prey can be seen as a sort of imperfect history lesson. I am pretty sure that schools teach very little about “pre-American” history. Unless you live in a plains state at any rate. Who knew, for example, that French traders were an integral part of the forest tapestry, in the 1700’s. I did. They did indeed kill small animals for their fur. They even used traps.
*At one point, the French look to be responsible for killing an entire herd of buffalo for their hides. As Prey takes place in 1719, it presumes to blame the French for the start of the buffalo debacle. The wholesale slaughter of buffalo started in the 1830’s. Therefore, the time period and the nationality of the White Eyes, is very wrong in the movie.
Prey also depicts women as being treated as second class citizens in Native American society. Nothing could be further from the truth. This social downplay did not start until the propagation of the Native American nations by their white victors.
The Story
Naru fights to earn her way into the warrior class of the tribe. Despite her skill at medicine and tracking, she struggles to be allowed to hunt. Naru lacks nothing in the bravery department. She will confirm her warrior status by battling the predator who is treating her home as its private game preserve.
The main cast
Amber Midthunder is Naru.
Dakota Beavers is Taabe.
Dane DiLiegro is Predator.
Michelle Thrush is Aruka.
History on its head
Prey stands history on its head in other ways. The tribe here is on foot. There is a moment where Taabe talks about getting horses from the dead French. Up to this point the tribe are not horsemen. The Comanche are well known for their horsemanship skills. They acquired horses from the Spanish in the 1600’s. They would have been mounted by the early 1700’s.
The tribe also called Texas home, as well as Arizona and some of the plains states. Primarily though, they roamed Texas and Mexico. This tribe was the main reason that the Texas Rangers were formed.
It works regardless
Prey feels like it has been tinged by Dances With Wolves, but Dan Trachtenberg‘s tale of Predators v Comanche entertains. *Side note: The CG, especially the dead bears and that cigar, are almost laughably bad. They are very reminiscent of the “skinned bear pig” monster in Prophecy. Shorthand for Stephen King’s description of the thing in his horror breakdown Danse Macabre. Plus, the cigar changes shape.*
Amber Midthunder knocks this one out of the park with minimal dialogue. She bounces between Comanche and English pretty well. She conveys much with a glance and utilizes an economy of movement that is commendable.
The scenes where the alien decimates the French trappers is impressive. For that matter, so is the scene with Naru kicking the traders bums. Kudos to the stunt and fight coordinator Steven McMichael and J.J. Park respectively.
Prey, with its final fight, is worth the entire film.
the verdict
Prey works brilliantly as a prequel to the predator verse. As I said, it entertains and despite the liberties taken with history, Native American and otherwise, it works. The film did lose a full star with said liberties however. Prey is a 4 star film.
It is streaming on Disney plus and Hulu. Head on over and check this one out. If for no other reason than its tie-in to Predator 2.
the trailer
Related
Discover more from Mikes Film Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
