--- title: "Prey" year: 2022 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/prey" fi1m_score: 76 critics_score: 78 critics_reviews: 25 published: "2026-09-19T16:59:05.189509+00:00" updated: "2026-09-19T16:59:05.632890+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Prey (2022) Directed by Dan Trachtenberg · 1h 40m · MPA R · Thriller, Action, Science Fiction **Fi1m score: 76** · Critics 78 from 25 reviews *In a sentence:* Turns out the one thing the Predator never planned for was a teenager with a tomahawk on a rope > Dan Trachtenberg strips the Predator back to one hunter, one alien and a lot of open grass, and Amber Midthunder carries it without raising her voice. It is lean, bloody and satisfying; the digital animals and a few modern lines are the price. ## Synopsis The northern Great Plains, 1719. Naru (Amber Midthunder), a young Comanche woman, has been raised to gather and heal, and wants instead to hunt, and to prove it by completing her first hunt as her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers) has. Their mother Aruka (Michelle Thrush) would rather she did not. Then Naru sees a light cross the sky, and in the days that follow finds tracks she cannot place: too big for a bear, made by something that walks on two legs. While the band’s young men, Wasape (Stormee Kipp) among them, go after a mountain lion that has attacked one of their own, Naru follows the other trail, with her dog, into country where French trappers are working, and something she cannot see is watching all of them. ## Review The Predator series has spent thirty-five years trying to get back what John McTiernan’s 1987 film managed first time: a few capable people somewhere remote, and something better at killing than they are working through them. *Prey* throws the accumulated lore out. Dan Trachtenberg, whose *10 Cloverfield Lane* was also a franchise entry that behaved like a film of its own, goes back to 1719, to the northern Great Plains and a Comanche band, and gives the alien one serious opponent: Naru, a young woman nobody at home will take seriously as a hunter. It is a good, lean film, 100 minutes long, and it earns most of the praise it has had. Amber Midthunder carries it, and she does so quietly. She loses fights, misreads the ground, gets stuck in a bog and has to be hauled out. What Midthunder plays is attention: Naru watches how the thing kills, and what it declines to kill, and the film’s best idea is that this is her weapon. Dakota Beavers, as her brother Taabe, is the band’s real hunter and could have been the obstacle; instead he is the one person who half believes her, and Beavers gives him an easy authority that makes the half hurt. Michelle Thrush, as their mother Aruka, has little screen time and uses it well. Jeff Cutter shoots the plains early and late, so the grass goes gold and the figures in it throw long shadows, and lights the night scenes with fire and not much else, which suits a creature you mostly see as a shimmer against the trees. Kara Lindstrom’s production design keeps the Comanche camp lived in rather than displayed: hides drying, meat on racks, tools with wear on them. Stephanie Portnoy Porter’s costumes do the same job. The alien has been redesigned with a bone mask in place of the familiar metal one, and Dane DiLiegro, a head taller than anyone else on screen, moves it like something that has never once been afraid. The moment that got to us was not the alien. About a third of the way in, Naru walks into a field of skinned buffalo, dozens of them, stripped and left to rot, and Cutter holds on it in flat daylight while Sarah Schachner’s score drops to almost nothing. We were sickened, and then we understood what the film was doing. The French trappers responsible, led by Bennett Taylor’s Raphael, are the second predator in the story, and the more thorough one. The film does not press the point. It shows the field and moves on. Angela M. Catanzaro and Claudia Castello cut the action so that you can follow it, which should not be worth mentioning and is. Each fight has a geography: where Naru is, where the thing is, what lies between them. There is a sequence in a river with a bear that we will leave for you, and a long stretch in the trappers’ camp where the alien works its way through armed men, and both are as good as anything the series has done. Schachner’s score is mostly drums and a low drone, and it knows when to stop. The flaws are real. The animals are digital and look it: the lion is poor, and the bear gets away with it only because water and the alien hide most of it. Patrick Aison’s dialogue has a habit of sounding like the present day, and a few lines land as if from another film. And the structure is tidy to a fault. Everything Naru learns in the first half hour is used in the last twenty minutes, in order, and once you have spotted the pattern the ending loses a little of its danger. A few critics found the whole thing thin, and it is thin. It is thin the way a good knife is. Set against its own series, this is the second-best Predator film, and nothing else is close. Watch it with the lights off and the sound up. For much of its length the alien is a shimmer and a click, and both need the dark. *Fi1m score 76, published 19 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics like Prey, and many call it the best Predator film since the original. The praise clusters around Amber Midthunder’s lead performance as Naru, the Comanche hunter, which several reviews describe as star-making, and around the decision to strip the franchise back to one hunt in one place. The 1719 setting and the care taken over Comanche life are credited with making the action feel new, and the suspense is said to work because the heroine relies on wit and knowledge of the land rather than firepower. The reservations are small: dialogue that sounds too modern, and some patchy CGI. The spread is narrow. Little White Lies finds it lean but shallow, with little to think about afterwards. Slant Magazine goes further, calling the action anonymous and the Predator dull, and The New York Times sees an unremarkable adventure with a thin plot of pop-up threats. No review is negative outright. ### Reviews we read (25) - **Empire**, James Dyer (90/100, inferred): The critic hails Prey as effortlessly the best Predator movie since the original, breathing new life into the series with a ferocious heroine and inventive action beats. It singles out Amber Midthunder's elemental performance and the authentic period setting. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/prey/) - **The AV Club**, Richard Newby (A-): The review praises Prey for narrowing its focus on character and location to stand equal to the original film. It singles out the compelling lead performance by Amber Midthunder and the grounding in Comanche culture before the action escalates. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/prey-review-predator-dan-trachtenberg-amber-midthunder-1849361254) - **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★★☆): The critic hails the return of genuine dramatic jeopardy in this audacious action film featuring a resourceful Comanche teenage girl facing real danger. They single out the authentic period details of indigenous life, the propulsive and inventive blood-soaked action, and the epic western scale reminiscent of classic films. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/prey-review-predator-up-against-comanche-teenage-girl-tkch726k8) - **RogerEbert.com**, Odie Henderson (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it a worthy successor to the original Predator that delivers scary fun, monster mayhem, and a tender emotional response centered on the Comanche protagonist. Naru’s resourceful fight against the alien and other threats stands out as a highlight. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/prey-movie-review-2022) - **The Independent**, Clarisse Loughrey (85/100, inferred): The critic praises Prey as a brutal, pulse-quickening story that succeeds by ditching nostalgia for the original Predator films. It singles out the emotionally rich narrative centered on an indigenous Comanche woman and Amber Midthunder's star-making performance. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/prey-review-predator-prequel-b2137443.html) - **Total Film**, Kevin Harley (85/100, inferred): The critic calls Prey the best post-Arnie Predator movie, praising its feral, stylish showcase and lateral approach to the franchise. It singles out Amber Midthunder's quick-witted lead performance and the film's fun, survivalist reinvention of the core concept. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/prey-review-hulu-disney-plus/) - **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (80/100, inferred): The critic calls Prey a stunning and smart coming-of-age story with something for everyone, anchored by Amber Midthunder's breakout performance as a resourceful Comanche hunter. It singles out the visually impressive action and the film's respectful handling of its historical setting. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/prey-review-disney-amber-midthunder-predator-arnold-schwarzenegger-b1015988.html) - **Radio Times**, Patrick Cremona (4/5): By far the best entry in the franchise since the original, thanks to its pared-down narrative and fresh historical setting. It succeeds as an edge-of-your-seat thriller with strong action and an appealing lead performance, despite some ropey dialogue. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/prey-disney-plus-review/) - **The Telegraph** (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the film as the franchise's best move in years, highlighting Amber Midthunder's terrific performance as a Comanche woman taking on the Predator in a bloody, intense prequel. They single out the wordless action sequences and the way it plays with the food chain and underestimation of the heroine. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/prey-review-thrilling-opponent-predators-had-since-arnold-schwarzenegger/) - **Time Out**, Olly Richards (4/5): The best Predator movie yet thanks to its simple, back-to-basics approach focused on ingenuity against an alien hunter. It delivers surprising tension and scares, anchored by a strong lead performance from Amber Midthunder. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/prey-2022) - **The Guardian** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the prequel a fresh, nimble take on the bloated Predator franchise by setting it in 1719 among the Comanche Nation with a young woman warrior as protagonist. They single out the inventive use of the limited-resources setting and the seamless integration of Native American history and representation. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/aug/04/prey-review-predator-prequel-gives-a-nifty-spin-to-a-bloated-franchise) - **The i Paper**, Christina Newland (75/100, inferred): The critic describes Prey as a blood-soaked, totally entertaining thriller that grounds its action in authentic Comanche history and culture. It singles out the grounded indigenous portrayal and inventive action sequences while noting some dodgy CGI as a flaw. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/prey-review-this-blood-soaked-predator-sequel-has-teeth-1778900) - **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): A solidly entertaining addition to the Predator franchise with gripping suspense sequences and gruesome kills that contrast rugged natural beauty against alien savagery. Amber Midthunder brings welcome grit to this sometimes cheesy but simple and comforting affair. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/prey-review/5173068.article) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck (70/100, inferred): The review finds that despite its unusual setting and heroine, Prey is one of the stronger entries in the Predator series. It singles out the authentic casting and performances, particularly Amber Midthunder as the resourceful Naru, along with the fresh change in milieu. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/prey-predator-1235191130/) - **Vulture** (70/100, inferred): The review calls the film just fine but notes its concept is liberating for stripping away franchise lore. It singles out the return to a lean story of humans facing an alien enemy in an earlier historical setting. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2022/08/the-best-part-of-prey-is-what-it-doesnt-do.html) - **Little White Lies**, David Jenkins (3/3/3): A lean monster-slasher B-movie that stands out as a highlight of the patchy Predator franchise. It offers visual gusto and tight pacing but remains shallow with little psychological depth or lasting substance. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/prey) - **Slant Magazine**, Chuck Bowen (2/4): The review finds Prey cowed by the original and starved for kineticism and verisimilitude. It singles out the dull treatment of the Predator and the half-baked symbolism and anonymous action sequences. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/prey-review-dan-trachtenberg-predator-prequel/) - **The New York Times**, Jeannette Catsoulis (50/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an unremarkable adventure that fails to refresh the exhausted Predator franchise despite its novel Comanche setting. Gorgeous landscapes and the lead performance are noted but undermined by a thin plot of pop-up threats. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/04/movies/prey-review.html) - **Collider**, Carly Lane (A-): The critic calls it a tense, engaging action-thriller that expands the franchise by going back to basics with a character-driven coming-of-age story for its heroine. They single out Amber Midthunder's lead performance and the film's emphasis on brains, knowledge of the land, and emotional anchors over brute force or explosions. [Read](https://collider.com/prey-movie-review-predator-amber-midthunder-dan-trachtenberg/) - **Deadline**, Valerie Complex (90/100, inferred): The review praises Prey as a strong reboot of the Predator franchise, crediting director Dan Trachtenberg for its sharp storytelling and emotional depth in an 18th-century setting. It singles out Amber Midthunder's performance as a standout, along with the film's focus on indigenous experiences and coherent narrative. [Read](https://deadline.com/2022/08/prey-film-review-this-is-how-you-1235086127/) - **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (90/100, inferred): The critic hails Prey as a must-see triumph that revitalizes the Predator franchise by stripping it back to basics, praising the fresh setting, authentic Comanche culture, and thrilling set pieces. They single out Amber Midthunder's star-making performance for praise. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a40771831/prey-review-predator/) - **Paste**, Matt Donato (8.0): The critic hails it as the best Predator since the original for embracing simplicity and elemental hunt dynamics while adding strong Indigenous representation and cultural authenticity. They single out the environmental freshness, period details, Comanche authenticity, and the lead's determination and action sequences. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/hulu/prey-review) - **The Wrap** (85/100, inferred): The review calls Prey a revitalizing entry that returns the franchise to its basics with suspense and excitement in a new historical framework. It highlights the film's success as a monster movie and revisionist Western that stands alone while honoring the original concept. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/prey-film-review-predator-prequel-amber-midthunder/) - **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (3.5 out of 5): The critic praises Prey as a gripping return to the franchise's roots with a solid, suspenseful thriller set in nature, highlighting the authentic period setting and strong action. They single out the landscape and director's pacing for praise, while noting the modern dialogue as a minor complaint. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/prey-review-predator-franchise/) - **/Film**, Chris Evangelista (7/10): The critic finds the film a successful blend of revisionist Western and monster movie that comes close to recapturing the energy of the original Predator while shaking things up. They single out the clever new approaches to old material and the genre mash-ups for praise. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/941243/prey-review-the-predator-series-heads-back-in-time-blending-a-revisionist-western-with-a-bloody-monster-movie/) ## Details - **Director:** Dan Trachtenberg - **Director:** Dan Trachtenberg - **Screenplay:** Patrick Aison - **Story:** Patrick Aison, Dan Trachtenberg - **Cinematography:** Jeff Cutter - **Editor:** Angela M. Catanzaro, Claudia Castello - **Music:** Sarah Schachner - **Production design:** Kara Lindstrom - **Costume design:** Stephanie Portnoy Porter - **Producer:** Jhane Myers, Marty Ewing, John Davis - **Cast:** Amber Midthunder as Naru; Dakota Beavers as Taabe; Michelle Thrush as Aruka; Stormee Kipp as Wasape; Julian Black Antelope as Chief Kehetu; Dane DiLiegro as Predator; Stefany Mathias as Sumu (Chief Wife); Bennett Taylor as Raphael - **Runtime:** 1h 40m - **Certificate (MPA):** R - **Release (the US):** 5 August 2022 - **Genres:** Thriller, Action, Science Fiction - **Budget:** $65 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ7LytagKlc ## Where to watch in the US - Hulu: streaming, uhd - Disney+: add-on, uhd *Checked 2026-09-19.* Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Predator* (1987), Fi1m 84: McTiernan’s original: muscle, jungle and a creature that still works, decades on. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/predator.md) - *10 Cloverfield Lane* (2016): Trachtenberg’s first film: three people, one bunker, and a nagging question about which threat is worse. - *The Descent* (2005), Fi1m 85: Six women, one cave, things that hunt by sound; British horror at its tightest. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-descent.md) - *Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner* (2001): An Inuit legend told in Inuktitut, with a chase across the ice you will not forget. - *The Revenant* (2015), Fi1m 74: Frontier survival with trappers and a bear, shot in natural light, and an hour too long. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-revenant.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/prey