If it bleeds, we can kill it

Continuing my trip up Empire's top 20 films of 2022

#11 :  Prey

Predator prequel Prey unlocked more than its share of achievements upon release this summer. Firstly, it made an instant movie star out of no-nonsense heroine Amber Midthunder, whose Comanche hunter Naru capably slaps seven shades out of a technologically advanced alien with just a bow, a dog, and a tomahawk-on-a-rope. More surprisingly, however, it took a franchise that has been on life support for decades and shocked it back to rude health with a potent combination of authentic period setting, simple yet effective premise, and precise, efficient direction from 10 Cloverfield Lane's Dan Trachtenberg. Not to mention twisting a monument to over-inflated '80s masculinity into a modern, feminist action thriller.

Skipping over The Souvenir Part II (#13 here, #39 in The Guardian - but still rubbish) and Brian And Charles (#12/#43 - delightful) we come to a film The Guardian would never have included (even if it's a feminist thriller set amongst indigenous people).  And I've heard it's pretty good so I'm looking forward to it.

Throughout the film (which is set in 1719) we follow Naru (played by Amber Midthunder) who is struggling to find her place in a society which isn't exactly accepting of a woman who wants something more than washing, cooking and craftwork.  Her mother and brother are more accepting of her than most in a "we love you anyway" kinda way, but obviously what she needs to do is take on a Predator (which, of course, no-one else believes exists).  In theory, the fight should last about 20 seconds but, funnily enough, it doesn't quite work out that way - nothing motivates a female lead character like being put in her place by a man - preferably a kindly relative (her brother in this case).

But you know what?  It's really good!  It's got a simple but effective plot, it looks gorgeous, it's got a load of nicely tense scenes and it comes in at a tight 100 minutes.  And, of all these points, its gorgeousness is probably the most unexpected, but it really can't be overstated - it's really very beautiful indeed with a strong natural theme (both flora and fauna).  Continuing the artistic theme, it also has surprisingly good music for a film that doesn't really need it - it's always pleasing when a film pays attention to details.

It's also well acted - Amber Midthunder is the beating heart of the film but is ably supported on all fronts.  Some of which have more to do than others - Dakota Beavers is all action as her brother whereas Michelle Thrush does a lot more washing and weaving as her mother.  But Amber deserves all the plaudits she got - I didn't recognise her, so was somewhat surprised to see she'd been in Legion, Banshee and Reservation Dogs, all of which I enjoyed.

I don't really have a lot more to say about this - yes, it's patently ridiculous but it's really well done ridiculous and it's also a lot more stylish and much less one-note than you'd expect.  It gives the fans what they want, but there's plenty there for others and it's a snappy 100 minutes - The Guardian should pick more films like this on their list.  At time of writing, it's available to watch on Disney+ and it's a strong recommendation from me.

#14 - A lot to like, but more to dislike
#10 - A terrible write-up