One-line Summary:
Prey by Dan Trachtenberg
A young woman wakes up in an underground bunker after a car accident, only to discover that she is being held captive by a man who claims that the outside world has been taken over by a hostile alien force.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Dan Trachtenberg
- Writer: Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken, Damien Chazelle
- Key Actors: Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Michelle, John Goodman as Howard, John Gallagher Jr. as Emmett
- Music Director: Bear McCreary
- Director of Photography: Jeff Cutter
- Producers: J.J. Abrams, Lindsey Weber
Plot:
Michelle, a young woman, wakes up in an underground bunker after a car accident. She soon meets Howard, the bunker’s owner, who claims that the world outside has been devastated by a chemical attack, making it uninhabitable. Howard explains that he saved Michelle and brought her to the bunker to protect her from the dangers outside.
As Michelle settles into her new life underground, she becomes suspicious of Howard’s motives. She discovers that there is another man named Emmett living in the bunker, who corroborates Howard’s story. However, Michelle’s curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins to search for evidence to support or disprove Howard’s claims.
Michelle finds a hidden message from a woman named Megan, who claims to be trapped in the bunker against her will. This revelation leads Michelle to question Howard’s true intentions and the validity of his story. As tensions rise, Michelle and Emmett hatch a plan to escape the bunker and face the unknown dangers of the outside world.
They manage to overpower Howard and make their way to the surface, only to discover that the world outside is not as Howard described. Instead of a chemical attack, they find evidence of an alien invasion. The trio must now navigate the treacherous landscape and find a way to survive.
Themes and Motifs:
One of the central themes in “Prey” is the struggle for survival in the face of uncertainty and danger. The characters are forced to question their trust in one another and make difficult decisions to ensure their own survival.
The movie also explores the theme of isolation and confinement. The bunker becomes a metaphorical prison for Michelle, who must find a way to break free from the confines of her captivity and confront the unknown dangers outside.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, “Prey” received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its suspenseful storytelling, strong performances, and effective use of tension. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Actress for Mary Elizabeth Winstead at the Saturn Awards.
“Prey” has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a standout entry in the thriller genre. Its claustrophobic atmosphere and twist-filled plot have made it a memorable addition to the genre.
Recommendation:
“Prey” is a gripping thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its strong performances and suspenseful storytelling, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s twists and turns will leave audiences guessing until the very end.
Memorable Quote:
“You can’t run from them. They’re coming. They’re coming!” – Howard
