Prey

Naru: "I found tracks, and they were huge."
Wasape: "I'm not frightened by a bear."
Naru: "I don't think it was a bear."

release year: 2022
genre: action/adventure
viewing setting: home Bluray 11/6/23 and home streaming 8/11/22

synopsis: In the wilderness of 1719 North America, a young Indian woman wants to prove her worth as a hunter and warrior, but isn't taken seriously...until her tribe encounters a much deadlier hunter that's killing its way through the area.

impressions: What we have here is a fresh Predator story that's not tied to (or bound by) any of the others or their continuity - and didn't try to introduce anything new yet stupid, as some other movies in this franchise have sadly done. I thought this movie was pretty good. The pre-technology setting, the pre-America Indian culture and weapons, the beautiful nature scenery, the determination of the lead character to prove herself (and then later defeat the monster)...it all worked. I didn't read anything into this (like maybe feminism or political correctness) - there was no need to think about it that way. It was just a good rousing adventure and survival story. There were a couple of nods to some of the other films, which I won't spoil for you here.

acting: Amber Midthunder is the young and fierce woman who refuses to accept the role her society would have her conform to. Dakota Beavers is her brother, and is about the only one who appreciates her skills and potential. The rest (Indians and French) were really just there to help establish things and provide a body count for the Predator.

final word: Great non-sequel (actually, a prequel in a way) Predator movie, highly entertaining.

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