Rating: 8.5/10

Following the resounding success of Prey (2022) – the film that breathed new life into the Predator franchise with the story of Comanche warrior Naru – director Dan Trachtenberg continues the journey with Prey 2, the most anticipated sequel in this alien monster universe. Released on Hulu in August 2025, the movie not only inherits the original spirit but also expands the scale, delivering a more thrilling, bloodier, and culturally deeper hunt.

The story picks up right after the events of the first film, still set in the 18th-century wilderness of Comanche lands. Naru (Amber Midthunder in another stellar performance) is no longer the naive young girl but a true warrior, leading her tribe against a dual threat: evolved alien hunters and invading European human forces. Screenwriter Patrick Aison deftly weaves survival elements with messages about Indigenous resilience, avoiding the formulaic pitfalls of previous Predator entries.

Amber Midthunder remains the heart of the film. With her intense expressions and authentic action sequences, she transforms Naru into a powerful feminist icon, relying on wits and hunting instincts rather than superpowers. Bennett Taylor, as a new character – an unlikely ally from another tribe – adds emotional depth, creating rare but meaningful dialogue moments amid the brutal battles. Dane DiLiegro reprises his role in the Predator suit, but this time the creature is more intricately designed, with a “skull” armor that’s primitively evocative of the original, blended with new tech that makes it scarier than ever.

Visually, Prey 2 is a masterpiece. Cinematographer Jeff Cutter maximizes the vast forest and prairie landscapes, with long tracking shots of chases that build suffocating tension. The sound design – from the Predator’s roars to the howling wind through hide tents – elevates the suspense to new heights. Fight scenes are choreographed seamlessly, mixing traditional Comanche martial arts with the alien’s cloaking tech, resulting in innovative action like a rain-soaked showdown or an ambush in a pitch-black cave. Unlike the messy The Predator (2018), this one maintains a tight pace at just 105 minutes, with no wasted seconds.

That said, the film isn’t flawless. Some subplots about tribal conflicts feel a bit forced, and if you’re expecting a ton of Easter eggs from past entries, you might be slightly disappointed as Trachtenberg prioritizes a standalone story. Still, these minor flaws don’t overshadow the overall appeal.

Prey 2 proves the Predator franchise can roar back to life by honoring its roots: hunting, survival, and cultural reverence. It’s a worthy sequel for die-hard fans and newcomers alike. If you loved Prey, watch this immediately – it’ll leave you eager for the upcoming Predator: Badlands. Recommendation: Catch it on a big screen if possible, even if it’s streaming!

Related Movies :