Prey

Prey

Year: 2021

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Director: Thomas Sieben

AdventureDramaThriller

In 18th century Comanche territory, a skilled and courageous warrior named Naru sets out on a dangerous mission to protect her people. She soon discovers a terrifying threat: a technologically advanced alien hunter. This encounter sparks a thrilling and desperate fight for survival, as Naru must use her skills and bravery to confront the extraterrestrial predator and defend her people from an unknown danger.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Prey yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Prey (2021) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Prey (2021), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the lush forests of the Northern Great Plains, September 1719 represents a crucial period for the Comanche tribe. Naru, portrayed by David Kross, is a young, determined hunter eager to prove her mettle as a valuable member of her hunting party. Alongside her devoted companion Sarii, she embarks on a challenging journey to sharpen her skills. During her exploration of the dense underbrush, her instincts alert her to peril, specifically when she finds her beloved dog ensnared in a bear trap. Using her quick wits and agility, Naru heroically frees Sarii, only to look skyward and mistake a looming ship for the revered thunderbird.

As the tribe readies for their revered kühtaamia—or big hunt—Naru’s enthusiasm faces skepticism from her mother, Aruka (played by Michelle Thrush), who dismisses Naru’s dreams of joining the hunt with her brother Taabe (Dakota Beavers). Undeterred, Naru decides to join the hunting party, garnering disapproval from many, save for Taabe, who acknowledges her skills and willingness to assist fellow hunter Puhi. As they track down the injured Puhi, Naru’s awareness highlights a deeper threat they face, leading her to suspect that this lion they are pursuing is just the beginning of their troubles.

The hunting party’s mission takes a dark twist when Paaka becomes the lion’s latest victim. Naru, alongside another hunter perched in a tree, sets a trap, but soon finds the lion attacking. Just when all seems lost, the earth-shattering roar of the Predator fills the air, casting a strange, bright light that momentarily disorients her. Naru loses consciousness after striking her head against a rock, though not before managing to wound the lion with her spear.

Upon regaining awareness, Naru discovers herself back in her village, being cared for by Taabe, who returns triumphant from his own successful hunt—bringing the head of the slain mountain lion. As celebratory festivities begin, Taabe is honored as the new War Chief, having completed his kühtaamia.

The following day, Naru sets off solo to pursue the elusive Predator, crafting a clever plan to wield her hatchet while moving alongside Sarii. Their journey takes them through a grim landscape littered with skinned bison carcasses, a haunting reminder of death amidst the vibrant prairie. Meanwhile, the Predator effortlessly dispatches a wolf that charges at it, showcasing its unmatched reflexes as it claims the wolf’s skull and spine, setting them ablaze as a morbid trophy.

As Naru continues her quest, she inadvertently stumbles into a pit of mud, struggling to escape. Thinking quickly, she ties her hatchet to a makeshift rope, using it to pull herself free. Reuniting with Sarii, she later encounters a rampaging bear. In a clever moment of stealth, she hides while the Predator arrives, engaging the bear in a fierce battle - ultimately slaying it and drenching itself in the bear’s blood as a chilling display of power.

Naru’s path eventually intersects with members of her tribe, dispatched by Taabe to find her. However, an unexpected engagement with Wasape (Stormee Kipp), a tenacious warrior, soon follows. While Naru gains the upper hand, chaos erupts as the Predator attacks, utilizing its precision tools to wreak havoc on the tribe.

In a fierce contest for survival, Naru finds herself captured by French fur trappers, who inquire about the mysterious predator. The trappers’ sinister plans come to light as they draw connections to the slaughtered bison and engage in brutal torture designed to draw out the Predator. As Naru and Taabe become unwilling bait, the Predator arrives, swiftly eliminating the trappers—leaving only Naru and Taabe to fend for themselves.

Displaying remarkable resilience, Naru constructs a strategy on how to engage with the Predator. Observing its behavior, she discovers that the creature does not view her as a threat, allowing her to devise a plan for survival. As she breaks free and begins to take vengeance against the trappers, she shows her empathetic side by treating Raphael’s (Bennett Taylor) grievous injuries, tending to his wounds with herbs designed to lower body temperature.

When the Predator returns, Naru cleverly uses the herbs to mask her presence, ultimately leading to the brutal demise of Raphael. Just when hope seems lost, Taabe rides back in an attempt to rescue Naru, but tragedy strikes as the Predator impales him.

Left devastated by her brother’s fall, Naru realizes she must act decisively, capturing the trapper leader to lure the Predator into a trap set for revenge. Using Raphael’s gun, she successfully impairs the Predator and cunningly ensnares it in a mud pit, where it meets its end through its own weapons.

In a victorious return to her village, Naru presents the severed head of the Predator alongside Sarii, serving as a grim testament to the dangers they faced. The tribe celebrates her courage, while Naru warns them about the white men and the other adversities that loom ahead, prompting a decision to find a new homeland, away from these threats.

As the film concludes, an evocative sequence of ancient cave paintings serves as a haunting reminder of their journey. These primitive images poignantly illustrate the essence of the primal conflict, ultimately hinting at the impending arrival of additional Predator vessels, casting a menacing shadow over Naru’s unsuspecting village as the credits roll.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 13:36

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Prey?

Still wondering what the ending of Prey (2021) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

The ending of “Prey” reveals that Naru, after persistent struggle and clever traps, ultimately manages to outwit the predator. Using her knowledge of the terrain and the predator’s weaknesses—such as its reliance on its cloaking device and laser targeting—she captures and kills it in the swamp. She then brings back its head as proof of her victory and her growth as a warrior, earning her recognition from her tribe and being declared the new War Chief. The film’s final scene shows her handing her father the predator’s head and the mysterious flintlock pistol engraved with the name “Raphael Adolini.” This pistol, historically linked to the Predator universe and the previous films, hints at the long history of humans and predators crossing paths over centuries. Notably, the ending also hints that more predators are on their way, as the closing credits depict additional predator ships arriving, suggesting that the hunt and conflict are far from over. This leaves the franchise open for future stories, emphasizing that while Naru has triumphed, the danger from these extraterrestrial hunters persists, and the battle between humans and predators continues into the future.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44

Unlock the Full Story of Prey

Don't stop at just watching — explore Prey in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Prey is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Prey Timeline

Track the full timeline of Prey with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Prey Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Prey

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Prey. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Prey

Prey Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Prey? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Prey Ending Explained

More About Prey

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Prey: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Prey

Similar Movies to Prey

Discover movies like Prey that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.