I loved it. Maybe not quite as much as Prey but it's an excellent survival story that delved more deeply into the Yautja culture.
I was immediately hooked by Dek's story the moment his brother Kwei stood in his defense and in defiance of their father, who didn't hesitant to overpower and slaughter his chosen son. I appreciated how the film didn't dwell on Dek's obvious desire for revenge and instead focused on his grief over his brother's death and his indoctrinated need for honor...on while trying to survive on the deadliest planet in the galaxy where had to hunt his impossible trophy, the fabled Kalisk.
While it was an absolute blast seeing all kinds of intelligent, bizarre fauna and flora trying to kill and eat Dek, the best part of the whole film was his relationship with Thia. Her introduction in the film has to be one of the all time greats, going from cheerfully introducing herself from her pinned position to gently mocking Dek's ability to survive while offering him pointers, all coalescing with her springing into action and slaughtering the flying reptile and then gleefully reintroducing herself (and man, I wish that final moment hadn't been spoiled by the trailers!).
I loved how their journey effected both of them (and Bud!) and their outlooks on life. Dek and challenging his upbringing to hunt, Thia and facing the reality of unwavering love for her "sister" Tessa. Those their experiences (after some light betrayal!) lead them to discover Bud's parentage and decide to save the Kalisk, thus going against both of their missions.
Speaking of Tessa, she continues the long and storied tradition of evil synthetics. Even without that foreknowledge, I already suspected while Thia adulated about Tessa that Tessa would not hold the same feelings about their relationship and goals. Still, my heart broke a little for Thia when she realized they weren't even remotely on the same wavelength.
The one criticism I would have with the film is that sometimes the sound (both effects and music) were way too loud at times, occasionally drowning out dialogue. I misheard Thia's name when she first introduced herself (I thought she said Phee) and I absolutely could not make out one of her final lines in the film, which happened after Dek killed his father and he turned back to her and Bud (but before the title card).
