The Predator franchise is truly a mixed bag. There are standout entries that put the property on the map. But for each noteworthy effort in the series, there’s a sequel, crossover, or spinoff that falls completely flat. After a barrage of follow-up efforts of varying quality, a new series installment bowed on Hulu in 2022 and defied all expectations. Not to mention, the film marked the most-watched premiere in the streamer’s history.
Prey is a Hulu original prequel that takes the action back to the Great Plains circa 1719. A strong, capable lead with a compelling arc makes this origin story a must-see for even the most casual of Predator fans. The stylized action and intense atmosphere won critics over in a big way. In fact, the film lands at #39 on Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the 200 greatest horror films of all time.
Prey Outranks Predator!
The original Predator film also makes the list. But here’s the interesting part. The 1987 Schwarzenegger picture that started it all sits much farther down the list. That’s right, John McTiernan’s film comes in at #171/200. That’s still an honorable distinction, but it’s surprising to see how much higher the prequel ranks.
Dan Trachtenberg helms the 2022 prequel from a script by Patrick Aison. Trachtenberg is likely best known to horror fans for directing the Cloverfield spinoff 10 Cloverfield Lane. Aison previously worked as a writer and producer on the television series Wayward Pines.
Trachtenberg told IndieWire he wanted to tell an underdog story and set out to showcase a protagonist we haven’t seen time and again. “Native Americans, and Comanche in particular, have so often been relegated to playing the sidekick or the villain — never the hero,” the director told the outlet.
Trachtenberg’s aspirations to showcase an underdog paid off in a big way. Amber Midthunder’s Naru is a truly iconic character brought to life with consummate skill.
In addition to Midthunder, the cast includes Dakota Beavers, Dane DiLiegro, Stormee Kipp, Michelle Thrush, and Julian Black Antelope.
The setup for this Hulu original goes as follows: A skilled Comanche warrior protects her tribe from a highly evolved alien predator that hunts humans for sport, fighting against the wilderness, dangerous colonizers, and this mysterious creature to keep her people safe.
That’s all we have for you at present. Stay tuned to the site for more updates on which critically acclaimed films are available to stream and where you can find them. Also, be sure to follow @DreadCentral on the social media platform previously known as Twitter (now X) so you never miss an update.
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