Prey: A Fresh Take on the Predator Franchise Starred by Shelter Dog Coco
Coco, a rescue dog from the Fulton County Animal Services shelter, became a huge sensation after starring as Sarii in the sci-fi action film Prey. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (known for 10 Cloverfield Lane), the movie presents humanity’s first confrontation with Predator and is a prequel to the classic Predator franchise. By resetting to where the wild things are, Prey delivers a fresh lease of life to the stale fest that the Predator franchise had become in recent years. It’s a horror film that remains an expertly crafted and thrilling experience that aficionados and newcomers to the franchise will appreciate.
The plot is simple: 300 years ago, a native American tribe is visited by the most vicious hunter in the universe, Predator. Comanche Nation’s proficient tracker, Naru (Amber Midthunder), and her loyal canine companion Sarii (Coco), are the heroines to root for in this tale of survival. The bonding between Naru and Sarii is heartwarming, and their perilous adventure evokes empathy in the viewer.
Naru’s demure appearance may lack brawn, but her keen eye is the first to detect the foreign presence in their land. She proves herself to be tougher and more aware of her surroundings, but her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers) mocks her skills. Although it starts with stereotypical sibling wars, the relationship dynamic between Naru and Taabe evolves as they join forces against the extra-terrestrial devil incarnate.
The cast is almost entirely native American, and there’s also a Comanche-language version of the movie, which adds an authentic touch to the film’s production. Trachtenberg’s direction creates a palpable sense of dread and tension that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The music by Sarah Schachner complements the cinematography, and the breathtaking screenplay by Patrick Aison immerses the viewer in the pristine Alberta scenery.
The action feels authentic and advances the plot. Redesigning an iconic character like Predator was a daring move, but it paid off. The Predator in Prey is less advanced, using outdated technology compared to its 1987 predecessor. This explains how a teenager managed to defeat a Predator that even a highly trained paramilitary team failed to control in the original Predator. Prey pays homage to the original by staying true to its roots, and there’s a nostalgic nod to the iconic line, “if it bleeds, we can kill it.”
Coco’s journey from shelter life to the silver screen is a remarkable testament to the potential and talent of shelter dogs. A star in her own right, Coco was a natural in front of the camera, and her on-set natural charisma won everyone’s hearts. Director Dan Trachtenberg was so impressed by Coco’s performance that he expanded her role in the film. Actress Amber Midthunder, who co-stars in the movie Prey with Coco, described her as a “little bit of a hot mess – but in a sweet way.” Despite needing some extra attention on set, Coco’s infectious joy and playful nature won over the cast and crew.
Coco’s story shows how wonderful things can happen when you give a homeless animal a chance. Her heroics will inspire more people to consider adopting shelter pets, and hopefully, it will help bring an end to animal homelessness. Prey is a must-watch movie for anyone who loves dogs and sci-fi action, and its production is an ode to diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
In a world of endless sequels and recycled storylines, Prey stands out as it captivates and thrills without sacrificing character development. From the opening scene, you will root for Naru and Sarii to come out alive from a breathtaking adventure that will keep you hooked until the end. Prey is available on streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney Hotstar in India, a must-watch for all audiences.
