Prey, the most recent installment of the Predator franchise, places its titular extraterrestrial in 1700s America, which gives a fresh period piece face to the decades-old franchise. The film, which was released directly on to Hulu instead of having a wide theatrical release, had the biggest premiere of any original movie in the history of the streaming service. Prey has not maintained its success on name value alone, as it is currently the best-reviewed movie in the history of the franchise.
Prey combines classic alien action with beautiful set-pieces and a diverse cast of characters. Though the setting is different, there is plenty in the Predator prequel familiar to long-time fans of the series. The Predator is still an intelligent, terrifying beast with the bloodlust that characterized him in previous films. Additionally, his ethos, which entails only attacking those individuals that can reasonably be deemed a threat, remains a threat.
One of the best parts of any Predator film is the weaponry showcased. Generally speaking, each movie has introduced a few unique weapons, and the most recently released film adds to the titular alien's already impressive arsenal. Additionally, there are many interesting weapons wielded by the Predator's potential victims in the movie.
The Wrist-Mounted Arrow Launcher Shows a More Archaic Alien Weapon
The Predator has always been fond of using laser sights with his weapons. In most previous films, seeing a triangle of red dots appear on a character's body means that they will soon be dead. In Prey, the alien still utilizes laser technology, but it is coupled with a more archaic tool. Mounted on the Predator's wrist is an arrow launcher, which shoots massive metal bolts capable of completely skewering his woefully unprepared victims.
One reason why the arrow launcher makes for such a fascinating piece of weaponry is that it seems to be a bridge between the alien's futuristic tech and the relatively primitive weapons used by everyone else in the film. The Predator refuses to kill unthreatening beings, so it is possible that he chose to downgrade from a laser cannon to the arrow launcher in order to level the playing field slightly. However, the arrows he shoots have heat-seeking capabilities, so the alien still clearly has the upper hand.
The Flying Discs with Slicing Lasers are the Franchise's Most Effective
One of the coolest new weapons featured in Prey was deployed in one of its greatest action scenes when the Predator slaughters scores of French fur traders. He deploys a handful of small discs that begin to float in the air and beep menacingly. Though the small pucks are initially unassuming, they prove to be one of the most effective weapons in the history of the franchise.
Essentially, each disc spins on its axis and shoots out a powerful laser that slices everything in its path. The weapon easily topples trees, and later, it is revealed that the discs have an equally catastrophic effect on the unfortunate Frenchman who happens to stand in their way. Several folks find themselves sans a leg as the low-flying discs cut them off at the ankle. This new weapon grants the Predator the capability to incapacitate large swaths of combatants.
Naru Proved to Be a Powerful Warrior With a Throwing AX
The primary protagonist of Prey is Naru, a Comanche warrior portrayed by Amber Midthunder, who has received universal acclaim for her performance. Her community scorns Naru for wanting to become a hunter, which is considered to be men's work. Still, she nevertheless proves herself to be a more than capable warrior in her battles with the Predator.
Obviously, given the fact that Naru is not privy to any alien technology, she must rely on her wits to defeat the Predator. Early in the film, she ties a rope to the end of her throwing ax, which makes it a formidable weapon. She utilizes this ax time and time again, burying it in the bodies of unsuspecting Frenchman, and even scoring a couple of direct hits on the Predator. Her invention serves as an effective metaphor for humankind's creativity, which has been a recurring theme in the Predator franchise.
If Prey is not the best film in the history of the Predator franchise, it is, at the very least, right up there at the top of the heap. The weaponry introduced was fascinating, and the new characters proved to be an excellent addition to the classic film formula. Given the movie's success, it is possible that there could be a sequel that continues to focus on Naru. The franchise could also head in an entirely different direction, as this period piece introduces the possibility of stories that take place in any number of time periods and locations.
Prey is now streaming on Hulu.