Prey: Why the Predator Prequel Is a Must-Watch Thriller

Prey (2022) is a must-watch because it reinvigorates the Predator franchise with a lean, thrilling narrative, anchored by a powerful Indigenous lead, smart direction, and visceral tension. It blends cultural authenticity with raw, stripped-down action in a way that few modern sci-fi action films manage, making it a standout entry even beyond its franchise.

Why Prey Resets the Predator Formula

This film doesn’t rely on convoluted mythology or the baggage of its predecessors. Instead, it offers a simple hunt narrative with sharp focus on character and environment. Reviewers praise how the film “avoids the convoluted lore of past films and focuses on simple, character-driven storytelling” . It’s this simplicity—an outmatched human using ingenuity against a technologically superior alien—that makes Prey so compelling.

Dan Trachtenberg, the director, aimed for a more primal, eerie version of the Predator, describing it as “ferocious and feral” and focusing on rebooting the fearful surprise that defined the original 1987 film .

A Fresh Lens: Indigenous Representation & Setting

Set in the early 1700s within the Comanche Nation, Prey centers on Naru, a young Comanche woman determined to prove herself as a hunter. The film is one of the few genre features of such scale to feature a predominantly Indigenous cast and offer a Comanche-language version supported by the original actors .

Amber Midthunder, who plays Naru, emphasized the importance of realistic portrayal:

“So rarely do you get to see a multitude of people with full personalities and intellect…” .

This authentic representation elevates the film’s emotional core, distinguishing it from past installments that relied on stereotypes or one-dimensional Indigenous figures .

Critically Acclaimed, Audience Admired

Critics widely herald Prey as the best Predator sequel or prequel since the 1987 original. It currently holds a 94% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its adrenaline, character development, and return-to-basics storytelling . On Metacritic, it scores 71/100, denoting generally favorable reviews and securing its place as the highest-rated entry in the Predator series .

Rolling Stone’s David Fear called it a “long-awaited masterpiece” and a high point for the franchise . The Guardian highlighted its freshness and the rarity of genre films centering Indigenous Americans:

“It’s a fresh spin, surprisingly fresh… one of the biggest wins yet.” .

Cinematic Style & Tactical Storytelling

Several reviewers emphasize how Prey leverages its natural environment rather than flashy gadgets. RogerEbert.com praised the expansive Alberta landscapes, striking score, and “monster mayhem and action” best enjoyed on a big screen . The Independent noted how the film’s combat feels visceral and rooted: the crunch of bones, torch-lit scenes, and green glow of Predator blood are vivid and immersive .

Scifi Dimensions highlighted how the film prioritizes clever use of terrain and brains over firepower: Naru’s environmental savvy helps even the score against a superior alien hunter .

What Worked—and What Didn’t

Few films are without critique. Some viewers flagged shortcomings in CGI realism, pacing bumps, or Naru’s near-superhuman resilience.

• CGI and pacing: A few critics felt certain digital effects looked cheap or that scene transitions choppy .
• Character believability: Some viewers on Reddit argued Naru had plot armor and the Predator seemed underwhelming at times .

Yet despite these critiques, the majority opinion remains enthusiastic, often stating the film feels “breathtaking” and rewarding .

Broader Impact & Legacy

Prey managed to rekindle interest in a franchise many thought had lost momentum. It became Hulu’s biggest release ever at the time, proving streaming can deliver genre-defining hits . Forbes called it an “absolute must‑watch” and a “new genre classic” .

Importantly, it also influenced the creative approach of future installments. The director’s next project, Predator: Badlands (released November 2025), diverges radically—featuring a Predator protagonist in the future, no human characters—and he considered pairing Naru with the new Yautja but chose against it to preserve narrative identity .

Conclusion

Prey is a triumph of focus, representation, and intensity. It strips the Predator concept back to its raw essentials—a hunt, a clever human, a terrifying alien—and layers it with cultural authenticity and visual grit. Imperfect, yes, but infinitely more alive and resonant than many sequels before it. It’s smart, immersive, and shockingly effective—and that’s why it stands out today.

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FAQs

What makes Prey stand out from previous Predator films?

Prey returns to a simple, high-stakes hunt narrative, grounded by cultural authenticity and environmental strategy instead of gimmicky lore. Its lean storytelling and focus on character make it feel fresh.

Do you need to know Predator movies to enjoy Prey?

Nope. It’s self-contained. You get the full experience without prior franchise knowledge—though fans will catch subtle nods.

How authentic is the Indigenous representation?

Very. The cast is primarily Indigenous, and there’s even a full Comanche-language version of the film voiced by the original actors. The representation is nuanced and respectful.

Is the film too violent?

It’s rated R for strong, bloody violence typical of the franchise. The intensity heightens the survival-horror vibe but may be intense for some viewers.

Was Prey released in theaters?

No, it premiered as a Hulu original in the U.S., and internationally via Disney+. Critics argue it deserved theatrical release due to its cinematic scale.

Are there any major flaws?

Some critics point to occasional CGI issues, pacing quirks, or Naru’s near-flawless capability. But these don’t overshadow the film’s strengths for most viewers.

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This article covers why Prey isn’t just another sequel—it’s a revitalizing burst of intelligence, culture, and brutal thrill.