Not only the second Predator movie to release this year, but the second from director Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands soars onto cinema screens this weekend, unlike the animated Killer of Killers getting the Disney+ treatment back in June. Starring Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Red, White & Brass), this addition into the franchise follows a young Predator outcast from his clan, who finds an unlikely ally in a damaged android and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. With action from start to finish, strong performances and stellar visuals, Predator: Badlands once again proves that the franchise is in the perfect hands with Trachtenberg. It may feel a little generic as it progresses, but what it lacks in uniqueness, it makes up for with entertainment value.
Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or not, Predator: Badlands is a really fun theatre experience. Boasting all the best assets of a blockbuster, there’s no other place to see it than on the big screen, as it provides big, bold entertainment from start to finish. The action pretty much kicks off from the get-go, with a gripping Predator vs. Predator fight that winds up with our main character, Dek, setting off on his journey. The Predators aren’t the only creatures on our screens, as Dek soon learns there’s a lot to discover on the remote planet his adventure takes place on. This not only creates exciting visuals for the audiences, but ensures no fight or battle is the same. Our Predator is fierce and a great fighter but certainly faces his challenges, keeping the stakes high. The script balances both heart and humor, having much to say about the importance of found family and familial relationships, but not letting too much of the run-time pass without a laugh. Perhaps the most astounding asset is the visuals, whether it be our creatures or the land they inhabit. The vast landscapes look both stunning and realistic, the character design is unique and eye catching, and those visuals pair perfectly with the score composed by Sarah Schachner (Prey) and Benjamin Wallfish (Blade Runner 2049). It’s a real team effort bringing Predator: Badlands to life, with the cherry on top being the dual performance from Elle Fanning; she’s just delightful.Â
It’s not just Killer of Killers and Badlands that director Dan Trachtenberg has gifted us with, but the highly acclaimed Prey back in 2022. Predator: Badlands proves even further that the franchise is in great hands, as he again shows good understanding of the world and characters, and creates a promising future for them. We receive plenty of lore expansion here and really interesting themes alongside thorough world building, but this never overtakes what is simply a fun, thrilling blockbuster at heart. Fans of the franchise will enjoy the lore and world expansion, as well as having the Predator as the main protagonist of the movie for a change, whereas casual cinema-goers will enjoy the solid action, fun humor and creatures both adorable and frightening. There’s truly something in here for everyone, which means it’ll likely appeal to the masses. Having a Predator as the protagonist rather than the antagonist certainly humanizes what we’ve always considered as a creature to be feared, and though this may be a little divisive, it’s a really interesting take that grounds the story and world even further. Despite being born and bred a killer, he still faces many struggles that we can relate to, giving Badlands something likable to cling on to. There are mentions of Weyland-Yutani and synthetics throughout the script, but it never over-convolutes things, meaning it works on its own and as part of the bigger picture that Trachtenberg is creating. Whether you want more from the Predator universe or just a fun time at the movies, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
The one element that both Prey and Killer of Killers boasted was a unique, fresh take on the franchise. Prey delivered a fierce Comanche warrior and a new time period, and Killer of Killers was an animated anthology following vikings, ninjas in feudal Japan and a WWII pilot. Perhaps the only fresh thread that Badlands gives us is a Predator protagonist. Aside from this, it feels quite generic in approach and more familiar than Trachtenberg’s two prior efforts. The third act in particular plays out in quite a predictable manner, perhaps focussing too hard on the action and forgetting the engaging dialogue and sense of adventure that the first two acts flourished in. A lot of the humor is really fun, especially when surrounding our resident cute creature Bud, but there is rather a lot of it which may put off some viewers. Many are describing the humor as ‘MCU-like’, which will work for some but not for others. Another main factor that will purely be down to personal preference is the humanization of the Predator. Whilst some will enjoy this new look at our ‘villain’ others may believe they have lost their fear factor. Outside of our main character, there are still others Predators to be feared, but does our protagonist prove that most aren’t blooded killers?
Predator: Badlands is another fantastic entry into the franchise that spurs on the lore and world building, whilst creating an entertaining blockbuster to be enjoyed by all. Elle Fanning is exceptional, the visuals are believably impressive and the action never fails to keep the audience engaged. Though it may feel like a safer addition than Trachtenberg’s prior two franchise features, and feel more familiar as the plot progresses, this does not mean it doesn’t work effectively. The franchise is clearly headed in an exciting direction.Â
