In recent memory, the massive influx of films largely regarding and acknowledging the trauma of abused individuals from pedophile priests, has quickly halted the stigma of denying survivors and victims of such claims of atrocious crimes. With TVO’s Prey, their latest addition to their expansive catalog of educational entertainment, the film plays more like a soft-core court case drama, more than what one expect from a standardized narrative drama (i.e a film which incrementally reveals the damage of victims lives.) Mind you this isn’t a bad thing. Prey, while a little too simplified for its own good, is an extraordinary digestible and important film, that manages to accomplish the exact set goals, as what the aforementioned standardized narrative drama would regularly achieve. Through its abrasive tales of resilience, to the film’s intense score, there’s plenty of material to dive in here, that will shock and teach audiences the lesson of a lifetime. One of moral stature.
While it’s presentation is messy, utilizing mainly interviews as it’s backbone, making the film grading in the process; the sheer amount of effort, and dedication to this project, is one to forgive all of its flaws for alone. Because of this,Prey may just be one of the most important pieces of Canadian cinema created in the 2010’s. From it’s gorgeous cinematography to it’s constructive themes and messages, this hauntingly disturbing film is one not be missed, when it hits TVO later this year.
Prey (2019) screened at this year’s Hot Docs Canadian International Film Festival, as part of the Canadian Spectrum program. Rerun screenings will occur on the following dates:
Saturday, April 27th– 1:00 PM – Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Thursday, May 2nd– 1:30 PM – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1
On The Clock 