June 5, 2025

PREY II (2025) – Official Review

“Survival in the wild is one thing, but when the hunter becomes the hunted, there’s nowhere to run.”

In the highly anticipated sequel to PREY (2022), PREY II (2025) takes the thrilling concept of survival to new heights. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this latest installment of the Predator franchise catapults audiences back into the unforgiving wilderness, where humans are once again pitted against the ultimate hunter. Packed with heart-pounding action, mind-bending suspense, and a compelling story of human resilience, PREY II keeps the same atmospheric tension that made its predecessor a smash hit while delivering a fresh perspective on the Predator mythos.

Plot Summary

PREY II picks up several years after the events of the first film, in a world that has witnessed the terrifying power of the Predators, extraterrestrial hunters who have now become a legend among indigenous tribes and military personnel. The sequel introduces Naru (played by Amber Midthunder) as a seasoned warrior, now much older, who has spent the intervening years honing her survival skills and preparing for the inevitable return of the Predators.

This time, the story shifts to a different terrain: a dense, untamed jungle in the South American Amazon, where a new Predator has arrived. This lethal hunter has adapted to the environment and is more dangerous than ever before. With the Predator targeting local villages and military operations, Naru must join forces with a ragtag group of survivors—a former soldier (*played by Chris Hemsworth), a skilled tracker, and a native shaman—in a desperate attempt to fight back.

As the group navigates the treacherous jungle, the film introduces a thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic as Naru and her team attempt to outwit the Predator, using not only their physical prowess but also their knowledge of the land and ancient techniques to fight an enemy that can blend into the environment, see through walls, and possess superior technology. Along the way, the team faces overwhelming odds as they are pushed to their breaking point, testing not just their physical limits, but their mental endurance.

Artistic Analysis

Visually, PREY II is an adrenaline rush. The lush, foreboding jungle setting contrasts beautifully with the sleek, advanced technology of the Predator. Every inch of the environment is used to heighten tension, from the dark undergrowth of the Amazon to the moonlit trees that serve as the Predator’s hunting ground. The cinematography is dark and gritty, capturing the raw, primal nature of the hunt and the terrifying unknown that lurks in the shadows.

The film utilizes the Predator’s signature cloaking technology and heat vision effects with masterful precision, creating moments of suspense that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. The visual representation of Naru’s struggle to outsmart the Predator, using ancient knowledge and the natural environment, highlights the film’s dedication to showcasing a battle of wits as much as raw power.

The sound design is another standout feature. The film’s haunting score by Sarah Schachner intensifies the tension, while the eerie noises of the jungle—growls, rustling leaves, and distant animal cries—create an atmosphere that makes the viewer feel like they are also being hunted.

Performances

Amber Midthunder returns as Naru, and she delivers a stellar performance as a more experienced and determined warrior. Naru’s growth from a young, resourceful fighter to a battle-hardened survivor adds emotional depth to the film. Midthunder’s portrayal captures Naru’s inner strength, her resilience, and her unrelenting drive to protect her people. She is not just fighting for survival, but for revenge and justice, making her journey both personal and deeply relatable.

Chris Hemsworth enters the fray as a former soldier turned mercenary who becomes an unlikely ally to Naru. Hemsworth delivers a nuanced performance as a man who has seen the horrors of war and understands what it takes to survive. His character, a combination of muscle and cunning, adds a touch of humor and toughness to the group dynamic. His partnership with Naru is vital to the film, as the two learn to trust each other and work together to defeat the Predator.

The supporting cast also shines, with Michael B. Jordan as a skilled tracker who adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. His character, who harbors a painful past, brings much-needed insight into the strategy needed to fight a creature with superior intelligence and technology. Tzi Ma plays the role of the native shaman, whose deep connection with the land and knowledge of ancient tactics provides the team with crucial advantages in their battle against the Predator.

Emotional Impact

At its core, PREY II is about survival, but it’s also a story about the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. The characters face an enemy that is both superior and elusive, but through ingenuity, unity, and determination, they stand a chance. Naru’s personal journey is especially compelling—her growth as a leader and protector is both empowering and emotional. There’s an element of vengeance driving her character, but it’s her underlying sense of duty to her people that makes her story so engaging.

As the tension mounts and the stakes become higher, the emotional stakes also intensify. The film examines the emotional cost of survival in such extreme circumstances and the toll it takes on the characters’ psyche. The constant threat of the Predator forces them to confront their darkest fears, and the weight of losing comrades in battle only strengthens their resolve.

Tone and Pacing

PREY II maintains a relentless pace, building tension with each passing moment. The film strikes a balance between action-packed sequences and quieter, more reflective moments that give the audience a chance to catch their breath. The first half of the film carefully sets up the stakes, establishing Naru’s growth, the team dynamics, and the deadly presence of the Predator. As the team gets closer to their goal, the action escalates to a thrilling crescendo, with high-stakes chases, intense confrontations, and unexpected twists.

The film’s tone is gritty, dark, and intense, but it is also empowering. The characters are forced to rely not just on weapons and physical strength, but also on intelligence, resourcefulness, and trust in one another. This battle of wits is just as exciting as the physical combat, and the film makes sure that the Predator is not just a villain to be killed, but a creature that tests the very limits of human ingenuity.

Conclusion

PREY II takes the Predator franchise to new heights, offering a thrilling, emotionally charged experience that will leave audiences at the edge of their seats. The film expertly blends survival horror with intelligent strategy, turning the traditional monster movie on its head by focusing not only on physical strength but also on the power of the human mind to adapt and overcome.

With standout performances, particularly from Amber Midthunder and Chris Hemsworth, an immersive visual style, and an engaging, high-stakes narrative, PREY II is a must-see for action and sci-fi fans alike. It reinvigorates the Predator saga with a fresh perspective, while still capturing the essence of what makes these alien hunters so terrifying. This is a film about fighting back against impossible odds and showing that even when the hunter becomes the hunted, there’s always a way to survive.