Movies centering around Indigenous individuals have certainly come a long way in terms of proper representation. Through the years, their presence in media has become less tokenized, allowing for their voices to come to the forefront of the conversation. As their stories are centered in film, television, and literature, their unique perspectives and cultural heritage factor into these important conversations. An article from Variety found that Native representation in TV and film, as well as in behind-the-scenes work on these productions, has remained from between 0-0.6%, based on multiple different studies. Clearly, Hollywood is in need of more stories that amplify these experiences to share them with all kinds of audiences.
Combining Indigenous narratives with the genre of thriller movies makes for some incredible pieces of film. They often draw upon influences from folklore and true historical happenings. Recently, viewers across the globe fell in love with Hulu's Prey, a prequel to the Predator series. The story follows an intrepid Comanche woman named Naru as she fights for the survival of her tribe against the insidious alien. The film starred a cast of Indigenous actors and shines as a great example of Native presence in visual media. If you're a fan of Prey, you should definitely take a look at these other Indigenous thrillers.
6 Blood Quantum (2019)
Everyone loves a good zombie movie, and Blood Quantum is a hidden gem. While most of the world has been overtaken by an uprising of the undead, the Mi'kmaq reserve of Red Crow is somehow completely unaffected. It's discovered that its Native residents possess an immunity to the pandemic because they are Indigenous. Other people, however, can become infected, which leads to complications as they encroach onto the protected territory to get to a safe place. The film features an Indigenous cast and offers commentary on important cultural issues alongside elements of horror. This Canadian film was quickly released on Shudder to an excited audience.
5 Night Raiders (2021)
Following a close-knit mother-daughter dynamic, Night Raiders details the lengths a devoted parent will reach to protect their own. This sci-fi thriller sees North America turned into an almost uninhabitable dystopia, running rampant with oppressive government overreach and the citizens' collective struggle to survive in 2044. The story follows the efforts of Niska, a Cree woman played by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, to save her daughter from institutionalization as she teams up with a group of resisters. Niska is absolutely an unsung hero among fierce moms in action movies.
4 The Dead Can't Dance (2010)
Before Blood Quantum was released, The Dead Can't Dance followed a similar premise. As "the world's first Native American zombie movie," the story centers around three Indigenous individuals who find themselves in the middle of an undead outbreak. The Comanche men realize their immunity as the world around them falls into chaos, and run for cover to Kansas as they escape the impending threat. This film is as funny as it is frightening, and deserves a prominent place alongside other zombie comedies like Shaun of the Dead.
3 BeDevil (1993)
As the first feature film directed by an Australian Aboriginal woman (Tracey Moffatt), BeDevil is an excellent example of an Indigenous horror film. Three spooky stories combine into one thrilling and haunting movie, with Moffatt herself making an on-screen appearance. Set throughout an otherworldly dreamscape of the Australian outback, each tale expands on the idea of being revisited by negative memories. The film calls up themes of passed-down Aboriginal stories and Irish Australian influence, and also heavily criticizes the influence of racial stereotypes in both abstract and direct ways.
2 The Dead Lands (2014)
The Dead Lands expands on themes of emerging adulthood, bravery, and family legacy. Hongi, a young Maori warrior, is thrust into the forefront of battle after members of his tribe, including his chief father, are murdered by rivals. He must venture into the perilous Dead Lands to seek help from a vicious warrior who can help him get even. This New Zealand film is a visually stunning piece of cinema. It combines traditional costuming with the sweeping natural landscapes found in the country known for its contributions to making movie magic come alive.
1 The Last Wave (1977)
In The Last Wave, lawyer David Burton rises to the defense of a group of Aboriginal men who are charged with murder after one of their own is found dead. Things intensify heavily after Burton starts receiving prophetic messages through his dreams about the case and the future of Australia as he tries to clear the names of the men in question. Traditional rituals combine with an air of mystery as the accusations become increasingly shrouded in suspicion. A Guardian review reads, "It’s as if the natural order of things has taken a supremely unnatural turn, and everything around the characters – the sky, the birds, the grass and rocks – joined forces to create a haunting day-mare."