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American actress Amber Midthunder has made a notable impact in both film and television at just 27 years old. She has shared the screen with notable stars like Liam Neeson in The Ice Road, Chris Pine in Hell or High Water, and Aubrey Plaza in Legion. Her latest film, Novocaine, featuring Jack Quaid, is currently in theaters and has garnered a 79% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Another project she starred in premiered in 2022 but unfortunately did not receive a theatrical release, limiting its exposure.
Prey, a sci-fi horror film available on Hulu, showcases Midthunder’s talent alongside Dakota Beavers, Dane DiLiegro, and Michelle Thrush. It boasts a remarkable 94% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and is part of the iconic Predator franchise. Notably, it stands alone, allowing new viewers to enjoy the film without needing to watch its predecessors. Given its critical acclaim, it is a recommended watch for fans of Midthunder and the genre.
Minor spoilers regarding the plot of Prey follow.
Exploring the Gripping Storyline of Prey
The narrative centers around Naru (Amber Midthunder), a healer of the Comanche tribe who aspires to become a legendary hunter like her brother, Taabe (played by Dakota Beavers). While out tracking animals, Naru notices unusual lights in the sky, mistakenly interpreting them as a sign of her readiness to embrace her hunting ambitions. In reality, these lights herald the arrival of an alien spaceship, which introduces its own version of a predator into the wilderness.
As Naru encounters the alien hunter—whom she refers to as Mupitsi, a figure drawn from Comanche myth—she must confront not only this extraterrestrial threat but also French voyageurs who seek to capture her and her brother as bait. Through her harrowing journey, Naru realizes that defeating Mupitsi is essential to proving her skills and validating her identity as a fierce huntress.
Connections to the Predator Franchise in Prey
Set in 1719, Prey serves as a prequel to the other films in the Predator series, offering insights into the origins of predators on Earth, taking place approximately 300 years before the original film. Although Mupitsi shares characteristics with the iconic creature from earlier films, the connection to the franchise is not overt initially, making it accessible for newcomers.
Additionally, various moments in Prey subtly reference previous installments, although they may be more apparent to dedicated fans. The production team worked carefully to ensure that the alien antagonist felt organically integrated into the historical setting, even adorning it with a bone mask to enhance its archaic appearance.
Audience and Critical Reception of Prey
With a critic score of 94% and an audience score of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, Prey clearly resonated with many viewers. Critics lauded its setting and performances, particularly the film’s focus on Indigenous representation. The writing and visual presentation were also praised, prompting many reviewers to express disappointment over its absence from traditional theaters, which they felt would have given it more deserved recognition.
Audience reactions were mixed; while many appreciated the film’s pacing and effective buildup of tension culminating in a thrilling climax, some critiques focused on the shortcomings of its CGI effects. Yet, fans of the franchise generally rated it highly, with many considering it one of the best installments, although the original film remains revered. Overall, Prey presents a worthwhile experience for both devoted fans of the Predator series and newcomers, and it is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
Source
movieweb.com