Prey<\/a> \u2013 which stars Legion\u2019s Amber Midthunder in the lead role \u2013 is by some distance the best entry in the franchise since that first film. By applying the familiar premise to a new and original setting \u2013 specifically the Comanche nation in 1719 \u2013 but otherwise adopting a rather refreshing back-to-basics approach that does away with convoluted plot contrivances in favour of a simple, pared-down narrative, the film overwhelmingly succeeds. It\u2019s a consistently engaging, edge-of-your-seat affair \u2013 with a brilliant lead performance, several terrific action sequences, and a well-judged emotional throughline.<\/p> The central figure in the story is Naru (Midthunder), a skilled warrior who is constantly undermined by the male members of her tribe. Despite her clear expertise, none of her companions are willing to accept that she should join them on their hunting mission, but join them she does \u2013 and just as well, it turns out. While the men think they\u2019re going to encounter nothing more dangerous than a mountain lion on their travels \u2013 a difficult task, but by no means beyond their capabilities \u2013 Naru is the only one to clock that something far more deadly is in their midst. That something, it\u2019s no spoiler to say, is the Predator \u2013 a highly evolved, extremely vicious extra-terrestrial who has come to Earth for the very first time to hunt humans for sport.<\/p>\n
And so, after we witness the Predator brutally dispatch a number of smaller creatures \u2013 look away, animal lovers \u2013 the battle begins. Much of the action in the middle section pitches Naru directly against the beast, such that it essentially becomes a two-hander \u2013 eventually building up to a bigger showdown when some French-speaking fur-trappers get caught up in the carnage. The whole thing is perfectly paced, taking its time to build up the tension rather than front-loading massive action set-pieces \u2013 and Midthunder is a magnetic presence throughout, aided by her loveable dog sidekick.<\/p>\n
Even if the narrative is straightforward, Prey\u2019s setting allows it to really stand out when compared to other films in the franchise. A huge amount of research went into authentically recreating the historical period and accurately portraying the Comanche nation, and the result is something that feels genuinely unique. It\u2019s also tremendous fun to see the Predator go up against other large animals \u2013 even if some of the CGI is a little unconvincing in these sections \u2013 while it\u2019s interesting to see a battle against the beast that uses rather primitive weapons, a far cry from the barrage of machine gunfire we\u2019ve seen it face in the past.<\/p>\n