Atanaria
Netflix’s Prey attempts to deliver an engaging thriller but ultimately falls into the realm of predictable survival horror. Directed by Thomas Sieben, the German-language film, released on September 10, 2021, provides a suspenseful yet uninspired experience for viewers looking for a casual watch without much emotional investment.
The story revolves around five friends on a bachelor trip led by Roman (David Kross), whose adventure turns into a nightmare when they become the target of an unknown gunman in the wilderness. As they struggle to escape, tensions rise, leading to infighting and several casualties. While the premise holds potential, the lack of character depth significantly weakens the emotional stakes. The supposed close-knit friends feel more like acquaintances, making it difficult for the audience to connect with or care about their fates. The film also provides minimal backstory, leaving the motivations of both the protagonists and antagonist frustratingly vague.
Despite its shortcomings in character development, Prey maintains a gripping pace, ensuring that viewers remain engaged. Clocking in at under two hours, the movie avoids unnecessary subplots, a frequent pitfall of many Netflix originals. Furthermore, the transition from German to English through dubbing does not detract from the film’s overall experience, though it does little to elevate it either.
One of the more noticeable weaknesses of Prey lies in its uninspired soundtrack. Instead of enhancing the film’s suspense, the music feels generic, as though it was randomly selected from a stock horror playlist. While the dark, overcast setting effectively establishes a foreboding atmosphere, stronger musical cues could have amplified the tension significantly.
The cast, while relatively unknown to U.S. audiences, delivers competent performances despite the film’s lackluster script. Robert Finster’s portrayal of Peter adds a necessary dynamic, providing a rational counterpoint to the group’s panic and discord. However, with more thoughtful character development, Prey could have been a far more compelling film.
Overall, Prey is a serviceable thriller that succeeds in maintaining suspense but fails to offer anything truly unique or memorable. It’s the kind of movie that works best as background entertainment—a quick, engaging watch that doesn’t demand much commitment. While it won’t leave a lasting impact, it serves its purpose for those in search of a straightforward survival thriller.
