Trachtenberg’s “Prey”: More Than Just a Predator Movie
In an era where sci-fi and action genres are rife with sequels and spinoffs, Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey” emerges as a breath of fresh air, taking a nuanced spin on the well-worn Predator franchise. The tale set in 1719 has won over critics and audiences alike, painting the Predator not just as an extraterrestrial menace but as an emblematic challenge for its protagonist.
Predator Meets Disney Princess
When one conjures the image of a Predator, the last analogy they’d think of is a Disney princess. However, director Dan Trachtenberg sees things a little differently. Drawing parallels to classic tales of underdogs and dreamers, Trachtenberg visualized “Prey” as a blood-soaked Disney princess story. The film’s lead, Naru, portrayed by Amber Midthunder, serves as an emblem of strength, resilience, and overcoming societal expectations.
In an exclusive chat with Vanity Fair, Trachtenberg elucidated,
“Honestly, the biggest help was the script being so focused…even before Fox-Disney merger happened, I kept on saying it’s like an R-rated Disney princess film. It’s like a Pixar movie.”
The commendable aspect of “Prey” isn’t just the action-packed sequences, but the movie’s soul. As Trachtenberg mentioned,
“For little girls, for older girls, for First Nations, any Indigenous person, for people from any walk of life that feel like they are capable of more than they’re aware of— it has all sorts of positivity.”
Resonating Themes and Potential for the Franchise
While “Prey” showcases the high-stakes battle between the Predator and the Comanche warrior, Naru, it also delves deep into the societal norms of the 18th century. A juxtaposition that beautifully highlights Naru’s dual battles: the external with the Predator and the internal with her own societal norms.
Drawing parallels with movies like “Moana,” where the protagonist grapples with a mammoth threat to save her homeland, “Prey” unfolds Naru’s journey. It showcases her metamorphosis from a healer in training to a formidable warrior, all while breaking societal shackles.
Given the acclaim and success of “Prey,” there’s an evident anticipation for what’s next in the Predator series. Will we be seeing “Prey 2” set against a similar historical backdrop? Or will the franchise explore a new timeline altogether? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the success of “Prey” has reshaped the trajectory of the Predator saga.
