NEW YORK – It’s not often that a prequel carries a story back by centuries. Yet such is the case with the intriguing but sanguinary sci-fi action film “Prey” (20th Century/Hulu, beginning Aug. 5).
Screenwriter Patrick Aison gains freshness for this extension of the “Predator” franchise by dropping one of its trademark killer aliens onto the Great Plains in the year 1719. A few French trappers aside, the creature’s potential human targets are, as a result, all Native Americans.
They include Naru (Amber Midthunder), a young Comanche woman who aspires to prove herself as a skilled hunter and warrior. To do so, however, Naru will not only have to overcome the sexist opposition of many of those around her but the ambivalence of her own brother, Taabe (Dakota Beavers), as well.
With a mysterious foe on a murderous rampage, though, this is no time for family disputes. So the siblings eventually unite to confront the often invisible and seemingly unstoppable intruder.
Under the direction of Dan Trachtenberg, Midthunder’s intensity maintains interest in her intrepid and resourceful character’s story. But Naru’s adventures become increasingly gory, with torsos being pierced, heads lopped off and limbs severed.
Thus, only those adults prepared to grapple with graphic content should patronize the movie. Seasoned moral judgment is also needed to assess an incident in which Naru’s behavior toward a human adversary skirts the line between self-exacted justice and revenge.
Look for: An unusual take on the monster genre, beautiful shots of an expansive landscape.
Look out for: Strong bloody violence, gruesome sights, a couple of crude expressions. The Catholic Moviegoer’s guidance is L – suitable for a limited mature audience. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
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