The Predator's Dilemma in 'Prey'

In the 2023 action thriller Prey, the dynamic between Naru and her brother Taabe and the Predator takes an unexpected turn. Despite the Predator's apparent motives to save them from the French hunters, Naru and Taabe still view the creature as a threat to their survival. This article delves into their perspective and the complexities that drive this decision, focusing on the themes of survival, trust, and the inherent struggle between hunter and prey.

Naru's Determination and the Predator's Nature

Naru, the protagonist of Prey, is a skilled hunter and protector of her tribe. Throughout the film, she is determined to prove her capabilities and establish herself as a capable warrior. One of the central conflicts in the narrative revolves around the Predator's presence. Although the Predator temporarily helps them by eliminating the French hunters, Naru recognizes that the creature is a formidable hunter and a dangerous threat. She is not blind to the fact that the Predator's actions are driven by a purely predatory instinct, not by an alliance or mutual benefit.

The Predator's actions are motivated by a desire to hunt. It killed the trappers because they were deemed worthy prey, not as a gesture of kindness or alliance. The Predator did not kill Naru and her brother when they were bound in captivity because there would be no sport in that. Moreover, the Predator did not free them; it was Naru who showed ingenuity by hiding and using the environment to her advantage. This disparity in understanding is a crucial aspect of the complex relationship between the two characters.

The Predator as a Constant Threat

When the Predator appears, it is not just a temporary ally. As Naru and Taabe are freed, the Predator focuses on Naru. The bear attack serves as a critical moment where Naru demonstrates her quick thinking by hiding and escaping. The Predator did not threaten them again because it did not see them as a serious threat at that time. However, when Naru and Taabe run into the hunters from their tribe, the Predator sees a new challenge. It kills these hunters because it now perceives them as worthy prey due to their fighting skills and weapon use.

Once free, Naru retrieves her weapons and goes to find her dog, while Taabe heads to find horses. This scenario suggests that despite the Predator's initial lack of interest in Naru, the situation evolves. The Predator is always a threat and could have hunted them once they were free, especially if it had seen them unbound. The film's theme of constant vigilance and the struggle between hunter and prey is clearly evident.

The Climax and the Continuing Threat

The culmination of Naru's journey comes when she kills a group of French hunters still at the campsite. The Predator, upon seeing the carnage, shows an interest in pursuing the killers. This interaction triggers the final confrontation. Naru and Taabe, aware of the Predator's predatory nature, decide to go on the offensive. They attack the Predator to prevent it from pursuing their tribe or killing anyone else unjustly.

The complexity of the Predator's role in the story underscores the themes of survival and trust. Naru and Taabe's decision to attack the Predator is not merely about retribution but also about establishing their own authority and protecting their people. It highlights the eternal struggle between hunter and prey and the themes of trust, survival, and the inherent danger present in the wilderness.

The film's ending leaves the audience with a lingering sense of the Predator's ongoing threat, a reminder that the struggle between Naru, Taabe, and the Predator is far from over. As the final shots show the two characters leading their tribe away, the Predator remains a constant presence in the background, waiting for the next opportunity to strike.