By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
As soon as I noticed that
Dan Trachtenberg ("10 Cloverfield Lane") was directing the new sci-fi, action horror film
"Prey," I had a feeling it would be good. Turns out, it's incredibly good.
"Prey," which is currently streaming on
Hulu, is based on the "Predator" franchise and is the prequel to the first four films.
You're probably thinking, did we really need another "Predator" movie? The answer is a resounding yes, especially since this one is different and not as campy and predictable as the others.
"Prey" is set 300 years ago in the Comanche Nation, in the Northern Great Plains (1719). Kudos too, to the filmmakers for using a predominately Indigenous cast that includes Stormee Kipp, ("Sooyii"), Michelle Thrush, (TV's "Motherland: Fort Salem"), and Julian Black Antelope (TV's "Tribal").
Most notable, however is
Amber Midthunder ("The Ice Road, "Hell or High Water," TV's Roswell: New Mexico" and "Legion"). She's a dynamo as Naru, a fierce Comanche warrior, blessed with wicked tomahawk skills and her loyal dog Sarii by her side.
Naru has a lot to prove to herself and family. Her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers, TV's "Burning Questions") is a revered hunter. Trying to follow in his footsteps is a huge undertaking, but Naru, is determined to show she is worthy and can handle whatever comes her way.
She is tested when threatened by French trappers who invade their land and begin to kill herds of buffalo. Yet, an even bigger danger is lurking. There is an almost invisible and gigantic creature (Former NCAA basketball star Dane DiLiegro, TV's "The Quest"), who initially makes meals on lions, dogs, and rabbits, only to work his way to the main course: Humans.
Can Naru, take down this alien beast? It becomes a bloody, gory, and spectacular smackdown to behold.
While I appreciate screening "Prey" from the comfort of my theater room, this movie deserves to be seen on the biggest screen around. I can only imagine how much more thrilling it would be at an IMAX theater.
Even so, you are in for a real treat with "Prey."
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 6:20 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"PREY"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
