Predator: Badlands (2025)

Synopsis

Despite his brother’s protest, Yautja runt Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) wants to prove his worth by hunting the most dangerous prey. Before leaving, Dek witnesses his father, Njohrr (Reuben De Jong), kill his brother for defending him despite his perceived weakness. Dek lands on the planet Genna, otherwise known as the “death planet” for its hostile flora and fauna. During his hunt, Dek meets Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged synthetic who offers to help him track down his target. He reluctantly agrees and straps her to his back as he explores the planet searching for his prey, the Kalisk. Meanwhile, Thia’s twin, Tessa (Elle Fanning), also a synth, is reactivated and assigned to track her down. It turns out the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, which built Thia and Tessa, also wants the Kalisk for their bio-weapons division. Will Dek succeed and prove his worth, or will the corporation get there first?

Review

Although not as iconic as the original, Predator: Badlands ranks among the franchise’s better films. On one hand, making the Predator the protagonist somewhat contradicts what every other installment established. However, I believe franchises need to explore new directions to stay relevant while still honoring what worked before. If The Terminator can transition from villain in the first film to hero in the sequel, why not The Predator? Thankfully, Dan Trachtenberg knows what makes this franchise successful while still innovating the formula in a way that works. You still have a Predator wandering through jungle-like settings, hunting, and killing human-like beings in gruesome ways. Of course, the victims are cyborgs with white blood, clearly done to achieve a PG-13 rating. While it’s disappointing not to have an R-rated Predator movie, what we got is at least entertaining. Still, here’s hoping we get more R-rated entries than PG-13 ones.

Though he doesn’t have any discernible dialogue, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi makes for a great Predator. He gives the character a physicality and presence not unlike Kevin Peter Hall’s in the original. His movements feel precise and deliberate, like a skilled hunter, but with some hesitation that shows he’s still new. Elle Fanning does a fantastic job playing the dual roles of synthetics Thia and Tessa, making each feel distinct. As Thia, she’s witty and sarcastic without feeling annoying, while as Tessa, she’s cold and calculating without seeming bland. Since most of the film centers on Dek and Thia, they must have great chemistry, which they thankfully do. They play off each other really well, and it never feels like one dominates the screen over the other. Granted, your mileage may vary on whether you find Thia endearing or annoying, though I personally found her enjoyable.

Usually, I’m against giving certain characters detailed backstories and extensive lore, but it works here. The other films hinted at the Predator’s history and culture, but this one delves further without neutering the Predator’s impact. Also, the movie adds ties to the Alien franchise, which isn’t the first time the two series crossed over. Thankfully, it’s not as blatant or poorly handled as the Alien vs. Predator movies, and it’s done more cleverly. It helps that the action is exciting and dynamic, with Dek fighting a variety of alien monsters of different sizes. On that note, seeing what Genna has to offer, from bloodthirsty roots to massive hornets, is exhilaratingly weird. At slightly under two hours long, the movie moves at a solid pace, though some moments drag here and there. Overall, Predator: Badlands shows that, while there are a few kinks, the franchise still has life left in it.

Predator: Badlands is in theaters.