A young Predator outcast from his clan finds an unlikely ally on his journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
The first two films in the PREDATOR franchise remain benchmarks of the genre. The original is widely celebrated by both fans and critics, while “Predator 2,” released in 1990, initially received mixed reviews. Over time, however, reassessment has favored “Predator 2,” particularly in light of the less impressive “Alien vs. Predator” (which I personally found enjoyable) and its disappointing sequel, “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem,” which, by comparison, makes “Predator 2” appear far more accomplished.
With nine PREDATOR films to date — including “Predator: Badlands” — the series has experienced both memorable highlights and inevitable missteps. Like many long-running franchises, its trajectory has fluctuated. The release of “Prey” in 2022 revitalized the brand, offering a high-stakes adventure set nearly three centuries earlier, following a young Comanche warrior who battles a Predator with limited weaponry and ultimately prevails. Under Dan Trachtenberg’s direction, “Prey” delivered a fresh take that exceeded expectations and ranks among the franchise’s very best.
“Predator: Badlands” shifts the action far into the future, well beyond the scope of previous ALIEN and PREDATOR stories. The film focuses on Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young, undersized Yautja warrior determined to prove his worth to his father, Njhorr, and his entire clan. When Njhorr, who considers him the runt of their species and therefore an outcast, commands his older brother Kwei (Michael Homick) to kill him, Kwei refuses and is killed by Njhorr. Dek narrowly escapes in a small vessel, his grief and rage over his brother’s death fueling a mission to defeat the legendary, supposedly unkillable apex predator known as the Kalisk—a creature even Njhorr fears.
Dek’s journey leads him to crash-land on the perilous planet Genna, where lethal flora and fauna are immediate threats. He narrowly escapes deadly vines and soon encounters Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged Weyland-Yutani Corporation synthetic who, despite being legless, offers Dek her assistance in exchange for passage. Initially refusing—citing the Yautja tradition of hunting alone—Dek accepts her help when faced with the inescapable dangers of explosive spores. Thia reveals that she and her twin, Tessa, were attacked by the Kalisk, and that most of her team was killed.
As their quest unfolds, Dek and Thia are joined by a native creature they nickname Bud, who proves to be more than he first appears. The unlikely trio must navigate Genna’s hazardous landscape, filled with lethal creatures and toxic flora. When they finally track down the Kalisk, Dek engages it in combat and decapitates the beast. Yet the Kalisk regenerates, its threat undiminished. With Tessa’s arrival, it becomes clear that she aligns with the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, whose interests in the Kalisk’s regenerative powers are purely profit-driven, echoing the company’s notorious disregard for life in pursuit of corporate gain. Recognizing she has been manipulated, Thia aids Dek’s escape, only to be shut down by Tessa. Dek, undeterred, pursues them back to their camp, where he has his own surprise in store.
“Predator: Badlands” diverges in tone from the fear-driven atmosphere of its predecessors. The initial installments thrived on the mystery surrounding the Predator’s identity; here, the audience is well acquainted with the species and its customs. This time, the Predator himself experiences vulnerability—forced to contend with an environment as hostile as any adversary.
Throughout his ordeal, Dek is motivated by anger and a thirst for revenge against his father. Though committed to the Yautja tradition of solitary trial, circumstances force him to accept Thia’s help. Their journey, along with Bud’s companionship, emphasizes the importance of trust, family, and seeking aid in adversity—a marked evolution for the characters involved.
While the film maintains a lighter touch through moments of humor, it never undermines the gravity of the narrative or the authenticity of its characters’ relationships. The dynamic between Thia and Tessa is particularly compelling; both are synthetics designed to experience empathy and emotion. Yet, while Tessa pursues advancement within Weyland-Yutani, Thia gradually discovers the value of companionship and loyalty over professional ambition.
Elle Fanning excels in the dual roles of Thia and Tessa, capturing the striking contrasts between the twins, delivering deeply engaging performances. Director Dan Trachtenberg once again expands the universe, wisely ensuring the film stands on its own within the future, with no required knowledge or reliance on earlier stories. The film even contains a clever homage to James Cameron’s “Aliens” for observant viewers.
Ultimately, “Predator: Badlands” delivers a thrilling, suspense-filled blockbuster, enriched with well-executed action sequences, nuanced humor, and emotional depth. This film encapsulates what cinema is meant to be—a communal, exhilarating experience best enjoyed on the largest screen available.
In Theaters Friday, November 7th
11k
19.8k
1.5k
1.8k