Prey is a 2019 horror film directed by Franck Khalfoun, starring Logan Miller, Jolene Anderson, and Kristine Froseth. After being put on a supposedly uninhabited island as a form of behavioral rehabilitation, a high school senior finds that he is not alone on the island and is pursued by a sinister force.

This is a pretty slow-moving film but that’s not to say that it doesn’t have its moments. It’s predictable but interesting. I thought the twist was unique in a way but maybe the execution wasn’t the smoothest. However, I did enjoy the climax and how the film leaves off. I did like the growing relationship between Toby and Madeleine, and I like that the story gave them some time grow and get to know each other. It’s a decent story and although a bit cliche, good enough to be entertaining.

Honestly, I didn’t much care for the main guy, Toby. I thought he wasn’t likable, a bit of a douchebag, and pretty damn flat. I don’t like characters like him admittedly. I did like Madeleine, and I liked her story. I would’ve liked the film to have solely focused on Madeleine and her mother. I think the film would’ve benefited from having a couple more characters for Toby to have interacted with. Not to mention it would’ve helped with the body count too.

The overall setting is decent. Could’ve been better but decent. (3 out of 5)

The island setting is actually a really good location, not only because it’s beautiful to look at during the day scenes but at night it’s dark and atmospheric. There’s some decent camera work but the cinematography leaves much to be desired. Even though this is a creature feature gore is pretty much nonexistent and it’s a pity because they had good setup for it. I will say that I really like what they did with the creature design as well the clever camera shots of it.

Overall, the sound design is decent, and the music is fair. For the direction of film, I think the music is appropriate especially during the buildup of the more suspenseful moments. I think some more upbeat music could’ve fleshed out the environment.

Again, there could’ve been better usage of the production but as it is, it’s decent. (3 out of 5)

The casting and performances are decent. As the lead Miller is decent but anyone could’ve played his role. Not that he did a bad job, but he was okay. I will say that Froseth did a bit better with Madeleine. They did have some decent chemistry. I enjoyed Anderson’s performance. I think the director and the cast have a good enough relationship to make the performances standout.

I can say that I appreciated what Khalfoun did with the film. It isn’t original but the style he brings makes the film enjoyable. There’s some cringe when it comes to the dialogue and some of the interactions but it’s understandable given the characters and the situation. There were suspense and decent horror towards the last act of the movie. The movie does have some pacing issues and even though I don’t have a problem with unoriginality, but this movie feels unimaginative. I also have an issue with some of the characterization. And even though there’s a monster killing people, blood and gore isn’t as prevalent as it could’ve been. Still, the writing and direction are pretty decent.

This is probably the strongest aspect of the film but that’s not to say that writing and direction couldn’t be better. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict: In the end, Prey is one of those films that has an interesting premise but ultimately falls short. Now, that’s not to say that it isn’t an entertaining film but the slow build, lackluster main character, and cliche story does hold this film back. Still, Prey will probably appeal to B-movie lovers. Prey gets 3 out of 5.

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