The conclusion of Prey effectively ties together the narrative of the 2022 Predator prequel while simultaneously paving the way for a potential sequel, Prey 2, and further science fiction narratives featuring the iconic extraterrestrial hunter. The film is rich with varied themes, predominantly focused on the importance of pursuing one’s calling despite societal expectations. With Amber Midthunder starring as Naru, the movie transitions the franchise’s timeline from modernity to 1719 North America, presenting what could be considered the inaugural encounter between humanity and the Predator species.
As the Predator arrives in the landscape, initiating a deadly rampage against the local wildlife and humans, Naru rises to the occasion, determined to confront the formidable creature. The masked Predator gradually reveals its lethal nature, taking down creatures ranging from snakes and bears to Comanche warriors and French trappers, culminating in a showdown with Naru herself. This evolving dynamic between predator and prey showcases Naru’s growth as she undertakes her rite of passage, challenging the boundaries of her traditionally prescribed role.
Understanding Naru’s Brother’s Sacrifice
Acknowledging His Role in the Battle
In a pivotal moment, Taabe, Naru’s brother, confronts the Predator at a trapper’s camp, managing to injure the beast before sacrificing himself to allow Naru a chance to escape. His poignant farewell, “This is as far as I go. No more. This is it. Bring it home,” underscores his acknowledgment of Naru’s potential and the urgency of her mission. Earlier, having been captured and used as bait, Taabe demonstrates his faith in Naru by revealing that he successfully caught a mountain lion using her strategy, suggesting his realization of her superior intellect as a hunter.
Taabe’s tragic choice adds profound emotional depth to Naru’s eventual victory over the extraterrestrial warrior, highlighting his understanding that she possesses the skills necessary to defeat the Predator, thus enhancing the film’s impactful climax.
Naru’s Strategy to Overcome the Predator
Shifting the Predator/Prey Paradigm
The climactic battle between Naru and the Predator stands out as a highlight of Prey, largely due to Naru’s clever use of both her intelligence and combat skills. Having evaded danger from a mud pit earlier in the narrative, she capitalizes on her knowledge of the landscape and the Predator’s technology. Recognizing that the Predator’s laser sight aligns with its projectiles, she devises a plan to leverage this against her foe.
Key to her strategy is the acquisition of the Predator’s mask and the implementation of traps designed to lure and incapacitate the alien hunter. Unlike the trappers who mistakenly thought the Predator preferred unarmed prey, Naru uses her cunning by providing her captured quarry a gun, recalibrating the lure dynamics.
Naru closely observes the Predator’s movements, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses to turn the tables during their final encounter. Her approach transforms her into the agent of predation, seamlessly orchestrating the environment to her advantage. By distracting the creature and leading it into a trap filled with mud, she ultimately uses its own advanced weapon systems against it, showcasing that true hunting prowess lies in wit as much as brawn.
Naru’s Final Words to the Predator: Their Significance
A Reflection of Her Brother’s Wisdom
Dialogue in the Predator franchise often leaves a lasting impression, particularly moments surrounding climactic battles. In the decisive moments of her confrontation, Naru echoes her brother’s words—”This is as far as you go. No more. This is it” —just before the Predator inadvertently meets its end through its own technology. This line, which her brother imparted to her, signifies a full-circle moment wherein her journey as a hunter comes to fruition as she vanquishes the creature that hunted her.
This poignant remembrance of Taabe not only underscores the emotional weight of Naru’s victory but encapsulates the theme of lineage and shared wisdom—attributes that lend gravity to her character arc and victory.
The Flintlock Pistol: Linking Prey to the Predator Legacy
A Symbolic Connection Throughout the Series
While Prey stands strong as a standalone sci-fi film, it adeptly weaves itself into the broader narrative of the franchise. Notably, the flintlock pistol featured in the climactic sequence of Prey carries significant importance. Inscribed with “Raphael Adolini 1715,”this weapon connects back to the ending of Predator 2, where it was handed to LAPD detective Mike Harrigan as a token from an Elder Predator after he triumphed over one of their own.
Naru’s decision to present this pistol to her tribe’s elder after her victory sparks curiosity regarding its journey back to the Predators, given that it reappears in the hands of Harrigan centuries later. This enduring artifact serves as a narrative thread, linking the evolution of the franchise and enriching its narrative continuity.
What’s Next? Insights on Prey 2
The Door Awaits for Prey 2
The conclusion of Prey suggests an ominous future for Naru and her tribe, emphasizing their need to relocate due to looming threats. The film hints at the potential return of the Predator through its credits sequence, which implies a forthcoming onslaught of alien hunters. This raises intriguing possibilities for future narratives as Naru and her community may face renewed challenges from the Predator race.
Fans can look forward to the confirmation of Prey 2, which has been announced for 2024, promising further exploration into these narrative threads. The franchise has a wealth of story opportunities based on past lore and themes, suggesting that there are ambitions to dissect and expand upon earlier narratives.
Exploring the Depth of Prey’s Ending
Nuanced Themes of Predator and Prey
The finale of Prey encapsulates the duality inherent in its title, presenting a narrative rich in the contrasts of predator and prey. Naru propels herself forward, facing the challenges of proving her hunting capabilities amidst the constraints of societal expectations. This question—”You want to hunt something that’s hunting you?”—echoes throughout her journey, encapsulating her internal conflict.
Following her early confrontation with a mountain lion—an encounter she learns from—Naru evolves, regaining her confidence through strategic observation of the Predator. By synthesizing her experiences, she orchestrates an intricate plan that ultimately lets her emerge victorious. In doing so, she transforms from the hunted into the hunter in the dramatic conclusion.
Critical Reception of Prey’s Conclusion
A Fitting Climax for a Remarkable Prequel
The character arc of Naru has been praised as a centerpiece of the film, and the ending is particularly well-received. Critics have highlighted how Prey adeptly showcases Naru’s tactical intellect and combat skills. Odie Henderson from Roger Ebert emphasized the sensitive portrayal of Comanche culture while showcasing Naru as a competent warrior capable of engaging the Predator.
“Naru deserves to be added to the list of tough characters who can hold their own against the Predator. She uses brains and brawn in equal measure to handle all of her foes, dispatching them with gory efficiency.”
The subversion of traditional action movie conventions, particularly through the depiction of Naru, has been noted as a thematic strength of the film. Wendy Ide of The Guardian remarked upon how Naru’s underestimated role serves as a hidden advantage in her battle:
“Ingrained sexism works in [Naru’s] favour: the assumption that as a woman she’s not a credible threat turns out to be her secret weapon.”
This inversion of expectations enhances the gratification of Naru’s ultimate victory and showcases her journey throughout the film.
James Dyer from Empire also praised Naru’s character, particularly Amber Midthunder’s performance, linking it to the intensity of modern action cinema. He articulated the final sequence as a carefully choreographed spectacle that resonates with audiences and fortifies the film’s identity within the genre.
In summary, the ending of Prey not only highlights Naru’s successful evolution but also solidifies her place in the franchise’s lore. By merging thrilling action sequences with profound character development, Prey stands out as one of the most compelling entries in the Predator series.