What Is Prey About?
The premise of Prey in 299 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the untamed great‑plains of 1719, a Comanche tribe lives in harmony with the land, its dense forests and open prairies shaping a world of ritual, skill, and fierce independence. The film paints this era with a vivid, almost tactile palette—sun‑drenched horizons, the crackle of campfires, and the whispered legends that hover like mist over the riverbanks. A tone of raw, elemental survival blends with an undercurrent of wonder, hinting that the familiar world of hunters and hunters‑in‑training may soon be torn apart by forces far beyond their understanding.
At the heart of this landscape is a young warrior, Naru, whose determination to prove herself among the tribe’s hunters drives her every step. Gifted with keen instincts and a relentless drive, she navigates the expectations of her community while yearning for her own place in the tribe’s storied traditions. By her side is Sarii, a steadfast companion whose loyalty grounds Naru’s daring spirit, and Taabe, her older brother, who embodies both familial bond and the weight of tribal responsibility.
When a strange, otherworldly presence appears on the horizon—a technologically advanced alien hunter glinting against the night sky—the tribe’s world tilts on its axis. The promise of an enigmatic, predatory intelligence introduces a chilling contrast to the familiar rhythms of hunting and ceremony, turning the familiar wilderness into a stage for an unforeseen clash between primal skill and alien precision. The looming threat is felt more than seen, a silent menace that whispers through the trees and rattles the tribe’s deepest fears.
Against this backdrop, Naru must balance the ancient teachings of her ancestors with the stark reality of an alien adversary. The story promises a tense, atmospheric struggle where courage, ingenuity, and the unbreakable ties of family and tribe become the only weapons against a danger that defies imagination.
What Happens in Prey?
The complete story of Prey, from the first scene to the last, in 868 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
In the lush forests of the Northern Great Plains, September 1719 represents a crucial period for the Comanche tribe. Naru, portrayed by David Kross, is a young, determined hunter eager to prove her mettle as a valuable member of her hunting party. Alongside her devoted companion Sarii, she embarks on a challenging journey to sharpen her skills. During her exploration of the dense underbrush, her instincts alert her to peril, specifically when she finds her beloved dog ensnared in a bear trap. Using her quick wits and agility, Naru heroically frees Sarii, only to look skyward and mistake a looming ship for the revered thunderbird.
As the tribe readies for their revered kühtaamia—or big hunt—Naru’s enthusiasm faces skepticism from her mother, Aruka (played by Michelle Thrush), who dismisses Naru’s dreams of joining the hunt with her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers). Undeterred, Naru decides to join the hunting party, garnering disapproval from many, save for Taabe, who acknowledges her skills and willingness to assist fellow hunter Puhi. As they track down the injured Puhi, Naru’s awareness highlights a deeper threat they face, leading her to suspect that this lion they are pursuing is just the beginning of their troubles.
The hunting party’s mission takes a dark twist when Paaka becomes the lion’s latest victim. Naru, alongside another hunter perched in a tree, sets a trap, but soon finds the lion attacking. Just when all seems lost, the earth-shattering roar of the Predator fills the air, casting a strange, bright light that momentarily disorients her. Naru loses consciousness after striking her head against a rock, though not before managing to wound the lion with her spear.
Upon regaining awareness, Naru discovers herself back in her village, being cared for by Taabe, who returns triumphant from his own successful hunt—bringing the head of the slain mountain lion. As celebratory festivities begin, Taabe is honored as the new War Chief, having completed his kühtaamia.
The following day, Naru sets off solo to pursue the elusive Predator, crafting a clever plan to wield her hatchet while moving alongside Sarii. Their journey takes them through a grim landscape littered with skinned bison carcasses, a haunting reminder of death amidst the vibrant prairie. Meanwhile, the Predator effortlessly dispatches a wolf that charges at it, showcasing its unmatched reflexes as it claims the wolf’s skull and spine, setting them ablaze as a morbid trophy.
As Naru continues her quest, she inadvertently stumbles into a pit of mud, struggling to escape. Thinking quickly, she ties her hatchet to a makeshift rope, using it to pull herself free. Reuniting with Sarii, she later encounters a rampaging bear. In a clever moment of stealth, she hides while the Predator arrives, engaging the bear in a fierce battle - ultimately slaying it and drenching itself in the bear’s blood as a chilling display of power.
Naru’s path eventually intersects with members of her tribe, dispatched by Taabe to find her. However, an unexpected engagement with Wasape (Stormee Kipp), a tenacious warrior, soon follows. While Naru gains the upper hand, chaos erupts as the Predator attacks, utilizing its precision tools to wreak havoc on the tribe.
In a fierce contest for survival, Naru finds herself captured by French fur trappers, who inquire about the mysterious predator. The trappers’ sinister plans come to light as they draw connections to the slaughtered bison and engage in brutal torture designed to draw out the Predator. As Naru and Taabe become unwilling bait, the Predator arrives, swiftly eliminating the trappers—leaving only Naru and Taabe to fend for themselves.
Displaying remarkable resilience, Naru constructs a strategy on how to engage with the Predator. Observing its behavior, she discovers that the creature does not view her as a threat, allowing her to devise a plan for survival. As she breaks free and begins to take vengeance against the trappers, she shows her empathetic side by treating Raphael’s (Bennett Taylor) grievous injuries, tending to his wounds with herbs designed to lower body temperature.
When the Predator returns, Naru cleverly uses the herbs to mask her presence, ultimately leading to the brutal demise of Raphael. Just when hope seems lost, Taabe rides back in an attempt to rescue Naru, but tragedy strikes as the Predator impales him.
Left devastated by her brother’s fall, Naru realizes she must act decisively, capturing the trapper leader to lure the Predator into a trap set for revenge. Using Raphael’s gun, she successfully impairs the Predator and cunningly ensnares it in a mud pit, where it meets its end through its own weapons.
In a victorious return to her village, Naru presents the severed head of the Predator alongside Sarii, serving as a grim testament to the dangers they faced. The tribe celebrates her courage, while Naru warns them about the white men and the other adversities that loom ahead, prompting a decision to find a new homeland, away from these threats.
As the film concludes, an evocative sequence of ancient cave paintings serves as a haunting reminder of their journey. These primitive images poignantly illustrate the essence of the primal conflict, ultimately hinting at the impending arrival of additional Predator vessels, casting a menacing shadow over Naru’s unsuspecting village as the credits roll.
Prey Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Naru's Determination” to “A Warning and a New Beginning”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Naru's Determination
In September 1719, Naru, a young hunter of the Comanche tribe, expresses her fierce determination to prove her capabilities within her hunting party. Despite her youth, her passion and skills drive her to seek greater challenges, sometimes clashing with the expectations of her family and tribe.
When:September 1719 Where:Northern Great Plains
- 2
Naru Rescues Sarii
While exploring the dense forests, Naru finds her beloved dog, Sarii, trapped in a bear trap. In a brave display of quick thinking and agility, she successfully frees Sarii, solidifying her bond with her loyal companion as they embark on more adventures together.
Where:Lush forests of the Northern Great Plains
- 3
The Skeptical Mother
As the tribe prepares for their significant kühtaamia hunt, Naru's desire to join the hunt is met with skepticism by her mother, Aruka. Dismissing Naru's ambitions, Aruka's concerns highlight the expectations placed on young women within the tribe, showcasing the struggles Naru faces in her quest.
- 4
First Encounter with Danger
As Naru joins the hunting party, they track an injured hunter named Puhi. However, Naru's instincts tell her that a more significant threat looms nearby, hinting that the lion they are pursuing may not be their only concern. This foreshadows the dangers they are about to face.
- 5
The Lion's Attack
Tragedy strikes when Paaka, a member of the hunting party, falls victim to the hunting lion. Naru attempts to set a trap to catch the beast, but chaos unfurls when the lion attacks, marking their first major encounter with the dangers of the wild.
- 6
The Predator Appears
In a shocking twist, the ground shakes under the roar of the mysterious Predator, a creature that brings a new level of danger to Naru and her companions. The sight of the creature overwhelms Naru, leaving her unconscious after a rocky encounter, yet she manages to injure the lion before losing consciousness.
- 7
Taabe's Triumph
After regaining consciousness, Naru finds herself back in her village, attended by her brother Taabe. Celebrating his successful hunt, Taabe brings the lion's head back, marking his rise as the new War Chief, while Naru's unrecognized efforts go overlooked.
Where:Village
- 8
Naru's Solo Quest
The day after the hunt, Naru sets off on a solo mission to track the elusive Predator, focusing on reclaiming her place among the warriors. With Sarii by her side, she navigates through haunting landscapes, littered with the remnants of nature's violent encounters.
- 9
Confronting the Bear
During her pursuit, Naru encounters a rampaging bear. In a clever twist of fate, as she hides from the bear, the Predator arrives and takes down the beast, showcasing both its lethal prowess and the chaos Naru must navigate between these formidable powers.
- 10
The Encounter with Wasape
Naru eventually crosses paths with Wasape, a fierce warrior from her tribe. Although Naru gains the upper hand in their confrontation, a sudden attack by the Predator interrupts their fight, proving once again that survival in these woods is more complex than interpersonal conflicts.
Show the other 5 events of Prey Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Capture by French Trappers
Naru and her brother, Taabe, are captured by French fur trappers who are intent on exploiting their knowledge about the Predator. The trappers reveal their sinister agenda, connecting the gruesome deaths of bison to the predator and putting Naru's skills to the ultimate test.
- 12
Naru's Strategy
Naru starts devising a tactical plan to deal with the Predator after observing that it sees her as no threat. By leveraging her cleverness, she manages to break free from captivity and begins to retaliate against the hunters, showcasing her transformation into a true warrior.
- 13
Tragic Sacrifice
Just when Naru seems to have the upper hand, tragedy strikes as the Predator impales Taabe during his attempt to rescue her. This devastating moment strengthens Naru's resolve to confront the creature that has brought nothing but suffering to her life.
- 14
Final Showdown
Naru enacts her final plan of revenge against the Predator by capturing the trapper leader. Utilizing the leader's own weaponry against him, she ensnares the Predator in a cleverly crafted trap and watches as it meets its demise, marking a significant victory for Naru.
- 15
A Warning and a New Beginning
Upon returning to her village, Naru presents the severed head of the Predator to her people, warning them about incoming dangers from white men and urging them to seek a new homeland. As the tribe celebrates her bravery, ancient cave paintings emerge, hinting at future threats, leaving a lasting sense of foreboding.
Where:Village
Who Are the Main Characters in Prey?
3 characters, among them Naru (David Kross), Taabe (Dakota Beavers) and Sarii: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
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Naru (David Kross)
Played by David Kross
Naru is a young and skilled hunter yearning for acceptance in her tribe. Exhibiting a unique blend of courage and compassion, she confronts formidable challenges head-on, including a lethal predator and French fur trappers. Her quick thinking and tenacity make her a standout character who evolves significantly throughout the film.
- 👧 Young Hero
- 🦸♀️ Determined
- 🌿 Resourceful
- T(
Taabe (Dakota Beavers)
Taabe is Naru's supportive brother who stands by her side amidst doubts from others in their tribe. His success as a hunter earns him respect, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall. His character represents the traditional roles within the tribe, blending strength with familial loyalty.
- 👦 Brother
- 🪘 Hunter
- 💪 Respected
- S
Sarii
Sarii, Naru's loyal canine companion, plays a vital role in Naru's adventures. His loyalty and instinct support Naru during perilous situations, showcasing the bond between humans and their pets. Sarii is instrumental in helping Naru navigate through the threats they face.
- 🐕 Loyal Companion
- 🐾 Brave
- 🦴 Noble
Where and When Is Prey Set?
Prey is set in Northern Great Plains (September 1719). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
September 1719
September 1719 marks a pivotal moment for the Comanche tribe as they navigate the challenges posed by both nature and encroaching adversaries. During this period, traditional customs and hunting practices are central to the tribe's identity. Conflicts with external forces, like European settlers, and the emergence of new threats redefine their survival strategies.
Where
Northern Great Plains
The Northern Great Plains is characterized by its lush forests and expansive prairies, serving as a vital habitat for indigenous tribes, particularly the Comanche. Known for its diverse wildlife, the region is steeped in cultural significance and is often depicted in historical narratives. The tranquility of the landscape contrasts sharply with the underlying threats that its inhabitants face.
- 🌲 Forests
- 🪶 Prairie
- 🌌 Village
What Are the Themes of Prey?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Survival, Loss and Courage.
-
01
Survival
Survival is a central theme in Naru's journey as she faces the dangers of both the natural world and the Predator. Her determination and resourcefulness shine through as she navigates challenges, highlighting the instinct to protect oneself and one's community. The film explores the lengths one must go to endure against formidable foes.
-
02
Loss
The theme of loss permeates Naru's story, especially with the tragic fate of her brother Taabe. His death serves as a catalyst for Naru’s transformation and motivates her quest for vengeance. This theme underscores the emotional weight of combat and the sacrifices made in the name of family and survival.
-
03
Courage
Courage is embodied in Naru's determination to prove herself within her tribe. Despite skepticism from others, she takes bold steps to prove her worth as a hunter. Her bravery shines during encounters with the Predator and fur trappers, showcasing her strength and innovative thinking in the face of overwhelming odds.
How Does Prey End?
The last act of Prey and what it means, in 187 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
The ending of “Prey” reveals that Naru, after persistent struggle and clever traps, ultimately manages to outwit the predator. Using her knowledge of the terrain and the predator’s weaknesses—such as its reliance on its cloaking device and laser targeting—she captures and kills it in the swamp. She then brings back its head as proof of her victory and her growth as a warrior, earning her recognition from her tribe and being declared the new War Chief. The film’s final scene shows her handing her father the predator’s head and the mysterious flintlock pistol engraved with the name “Raphael Adolini.” This pistol, historically linked to the Predator universe and the previous films, hints at the long history of humans and predators crossing paths over centuries. Notably, the ending also hints that more predators are on their way, as the closing credits depict additional predator ships arriving, suggesting that the hunt and conflict are far from over. This leaves the franchise open for future stories, emphasizing that while Naru has triumphed, the danger from these extraterrestrial hunters persists, and the battle between humans and predators continues into the future.
What Kind of Film Is Prey?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A relentlessly tense and primal survival thriller where a skilled Comanche warrior battles an technologically superior alien hunter in a desperate, high-stakes fight for her people's future.
- suspenseful
- desperate
- claustrophobic
- primal
- survivalist
- anxious
- survival
- alien hunter
- coming of age
- tribal warrior
Content notes: graphic violence, torture, animal death, gore, brutal death of a sibling.
Quiz
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Where to Watch Prey
Stream it on Hulu. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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