Prey: First Native American Action Heroine

The ‘Prey’ movie boasts of the first Native American action heroine. This action film is set in the pre-colonial era of the early 1700s period in the Comanche Nation of North America.

In that historical era, both the deadly Alien Predator and the dangerous Colonial Soldiers were out to catch/kill their prey(s) in the vast land inhabited by the Native American people.

Trailer of the Prey (2022) Movie

Synopsis of the Prey (2022) Movie

Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, it is the story of a young woman, Naru (Amber Midthunder), a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains. So when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people.

The prey – she stalks and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal. It resulted in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries.

Spoiler Free Review of the Prey (2022) Movie

The introduction

Prey (2022) is the fifth instalment of the famous Predator franchise. However, this is the seventh Predator film, if we count the two Alien vs. Predator movies, too. It is set in the Northern Great Plains in 1719. Thus this movie is a prequel to the first four Predator films of the past: Predator (1987), Predator (1990), Predators (2010) and Predator (2018) movies.

Its story is set in the Comanche Nation of the 1700s

It is worth noting that to maintain the historical references to Comanche, this movie was shot in Calgary, in the Canadian province of Alberta. It helped them to capture the look and feel of the North American continent. As it has pristine forests and waterways that existed before extensive colonization in the early 1700s era. Also, the movie crew included quite a few atmospheric touches to emphasize the primaeval look of that age and the location.

In addition, to maintain the authenticity of that era, it became the first movie completely dubbed in the Comanche language. The Comanche language is a Numic language of the indigenous people belonging to the Uto-Aztecan. This indigenous language is spoken by the Comanche people, Native Americans from the Southern Plains of the present-day United States of America. The Comanche elders have praised the people associated with this movie for using the Comanche language as well as for honest and genuine portrayal of their native people.

So, what is the basic plot?

So, in this film, we can see that the Comanches people use traditional bows, arrows, spears and other similar weapons against the technologically advanced Alien Predator. Although Comanches used their sophisticated tactics and ingenious hunting skills. Still, the fact remains that the Alien Predator has superior weapons. Can the warriors of the Comanche Nation turn the table and win against the Predator? That is the plotline.

What did we like in this film?

Its writers, directors and producers have made sure to tell this story genuinely and authentically. For example, in one of the scenes in the film – the Predator cloaks itself turning invisible, before battling Taabe and Naru. At that time, Taabe shouts something in anger which is not translated into the English version of the movie. But its Comanche version reveals that he screams “Cheater!” for becoming invisible and not fighting in the open.

We think it is a worthy prequel to the Predator franchise. Those movies were led by the great action global star Arnold Schwarzenegger. So, if you love sci-fi action, then do watch this movie for Amber Midthunder’s impressive action scenes. We think the movie is a welcome addition to the popular Predator franchise. So, don’t miss it, if you are a fan of the Predator movies.

This sci-fi film boasts of the first indigenous female action heroine Naru (Amber Midthunder) in the famous Predator movie franchise of mainstream Hollywood cinema.

Focus on the lead actress Amber Midthunder (Naru)

With lots of energy and enthusiasm, Amber Midthunder has portrayed the role of an Indigenous female action heroine “Naru”. She plays a Comanche tribal girl of the 1700s with great conviction and commitment. So, she has been hailed as the breakthrough actor among the indigenous Native Americans.

You (being a Native American actor) very rarely get good representation (in Hollywood movies) — good being accurate, respectful or something to be proud about……This is the first time you get to see an Indigenous female action hero at the centre of a film. That in and of itself is a really incredible statement.

Amber Mindthunder | Hollywood Reporter

She is the first Native American lead star in a mainstream Hollywood movie.

The conclusion

This movie is certainly a step in the right direction for the indigenous natives.

We liked the fact that indigenous Native Americans are carving their own identity. Especially in the mainstream film/series of the influential Western entertainment world.

Rating of this Movie set in Comanche Nation 300 years ago

FM’s rating	3.65/5
Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date	93% Tomatometer & 73% Audience Score
Critics Consensus / Rotten Tomatoes	The rare action thriller that spikes adrenaline without skimping on character development, this film is a Predator prequel done right.
Audience Says / Rotten Tomatoes	If you can look past some dodgy effects, this film is pretty much the back-to-basics Predator instalment fans have been waiting years to see.

Poster of this Movie set in Comanche Nation 300 years ago

Key Details of the Prey (2022) Movie

Genre	Action, Adventure, Drama
Released	July 2022
Languages	English & Comanche (native American) languages
Director	Dan Trachtenberg
Taglines	The Hunt Begins
Age-restrictions	Rated R for the strong bloody violence
Writers	Patrick Aison, Dan Trachtenberg, Jim Thomas
Cast	Amber Midthunder, Dakota Beavers, Dane DiLiegro, Stormee Kipp, etc.
Awards	Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards 2022 – Breakthrough Artist – International – Amber Midthunder ReFrame Stamp 2023 – Feature
First	This film is making history with its dubbing in the Comanche language, indeed it is a big step forward for the Indigenous people’s language (s).

If you like this film with an Indigenous Native American lead, then check out the Dark Winds (S1) and Dark Winds (S2) series, too.

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Featured & Other Images: Prey film | Hulu.