Prey (2022) is a must-watch because it’s a thrilling, fresh take on the Predator franchise—rooted in emotional storytelling, cultural respect, and gripping suspense. Set in the early 1700s Comanche Nation, it follows Naru, a gifted young warrior who stands toe-to-toe with a highly evolved alien hunter, embodying pure ingenuity and bravery in a raw, unfamiliar world. Its critical acclaim, cultural significance, and streaming success make it a standout amongst sci-fi thrillers.
A Bold Reinvention Grounded in Culture and Simplicity
Prey doesn’t just retread familiar territory—it strips away franchise excess to return to basics. Set in 1719 among the Comanche, it turns a genre icon into a test of human resourcefulness rather than sheer firepower . The film reframes violence as survival, and prejudice as opportunity—Naru’s underestimated status becomes her greatest weapon .
“It’s a fresh spin, surprisingly fresh,” notes The Guardian. “It’s worth applauding not because of the mere fact of what it is and what it means but … the setting [is] an inventive way to impose a new set of restrictions” .
They lean into suspense and intelligence over frenetic action. The Predator may be powerful—but Naru’s wit and tracking skills make this matchup feel earned and thrilling .
Critical Acclaim and Streaming Triumph
So, how well did Prey land? Critics and audiences both embraced it:
• It earned a Certified Fresh rating of around 93–94% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score near 71/100, making it the highest-rated Predator movie on both sites .
• Rolling Stone called it a “long-awaited masterpiece,” praising its emotional resonance .
• Media outlets like Forbes deemed it “an absolute must-watch,” highlighting its lean runtime and standout Predator design .
On the streaming side, Hulu reported Prey as its most-watched premiere to date—surpassing all films and TV series across the platform . Latin America’s Star+ and Disney+ (under the Star brand) also saw it topping premiere charts, reflecting global appeal .
Performance That Anchors the Emotional Core
At the film’s center is Amber Midthunder as Naru—a role she delivers with raw intensity and depth . Her performance resonates with both critics and industry veterans like Jesse Ventura and Bill Duke, who praised the film’s creativity and Midthunder’s presence . The character’s evolution—from tentative hunter to formidable hero—is compelling and grounded.
This Is a Predator Film for Today
Prey succeeds not just as a Predator story, but as a story of empowerment, innovation, and cultural integrity. By centering an Indigenous heroine and rooting the narrative in historical tension, it brings a new layer of meaning to the franchise’s familiar clash of hunter and hunted .
It also sidesteps franchise fatigue. Critics note how it reinvigorates the genre by avoiding nostalgia-laden tropes and opting instead for a self-contained yet emotionally rich narrative .
Why Prey Outshines the Rest
- Creative risk paid off — A Predator film set among the Comanche in 1719 was unconventional but allowed for fresh tension and stakes.
- Streaming dominance — Its Hulu premiere set records, making it a commercial as well as creative win .
- Critical validation — A rare franchise entry to achieve near-universal praise.
- Cultural representation — Centering Indigenous voices—not just via casting, but through narrative perspective—is significant and respectful.
Conclusion
Prey stands out as a must-watch because it revives the Predator series with elegance and grit. It’s lean, powerful, and rooted—an action-packed film that demands respect for its cultural context and storytelling depth. Midthunder’s stellar performance, combined with its streaming and critical success, make Prey not just good—but essential viewing for anyone seeking smart, thrilling cinema.
FAQs
Q: Do you need to know the Predator franchise to enjoy Prey?
Nope. Prey is entirely self-contained. It doesn’t rely on franchise history and works perfectly as a standalone sci-fi thriller .
Q: How did Prey perform with critics?
Very well. It holds a Certified Fresh rating in the low 90s on Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic scores fall in the favorable range around 71 out of 100 .
Q: What makes Prey different from other Predator movies?
It emphasizes ingenuity, human resilience, and cultural depth instead of high-tech weaponry or nostalgia. The historical setting and Indigenous perspective provide fresh narrative terrain .
Q: Was Prey successful on streaming platforms?
Yes. It became Hulu’s most-watched premiere ever, and also topped streaming charts on Disney+ (Star) and Star+ in other regions .
Q: What rating does Prey have? Is it kid-friendly?
It’s rated R due to strong, bloody violence. Don’t expect it to be suitable for kids—it’s intense and unflinching .
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