Dan Trachtenberg's "PREY"
Review by Dennis D. McDonald
PREY is a worthy addition to the Predator pantheon. In fact, I’d put it right up there with the Arnold film. The decision to set it in 1719 and the Great Plains of North America at a time when Native Americans were experiencing the inroads of European colonialism and exploitation is a brilliant stroke. This not only sidesteps the need to deal with the convoluted events of previous films but provides a fresh canvas for concentrating on how people at that time might have dealt with such a vicious enemy pursuing such a bloody sport.
It also helps that the film doesn’t only concentrate on action, blood, and mayhem but also portray some very interesting characters, led by Amber Midthunder’s portrayal of a young female Comanche intent on proving her worth as a hunter in a world where women focused on home and hearth.
Her relationship with her family and her tribe elevates this film above what might have just been a gorgeously photographed and soundtracked blood-and-guts action fest. She may not be a muscle bound hunk like Arnold but does show the “boys” she’s smarter.
Why this movie has not also been released in theaters but only on Hulu is a mystery. This is a gorgeous epic production and deserves to be seen on as large a screen as possible.
Review copyright (c) 2022 by Dennis D. McDonald
