Predator: Killer of Killers (2025) - Film Review

      **Predator: Killer of Killers, 2025.**

      Directed by Dan Trachtenberg and Joshua Wassung.

      Featuring the voice talents of Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, Rick Gonzalez, and Michael Biehn.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      Three of history's most formidable warriors become targets for the ultimate assassin. Director Dan Trachtenberg successfully explores intriguing concepts within the Predator universe, having previously achieved this in his prior works. However, in Predator: Killer of Killers, it isn't until the final 20 minutes that the premise truly delivers; the initial parts of the film play out as a rather uninspired collection of stories depicting various cultures confronting the heat-seeking Predators, only coming to life during the more violent scenes.

      The project feels like an animated extension of Trachtenberg’s Prey, focusing on a Comanche tribe's struggle against the titular monster, but this time expanding into different civilizations and time periods. In theory, this is acceptable, especially as a precursor to his forthcoming Predator: Badlands. Nonetheless, there is a sense of incompleteness to the overall experience, from the clichéd narratives and characters in each story to the sequel-bait ending and post-credits tease.

      It's not surprising that Disney opted against committing to a live-action anthology, which would have driven up costs; however, the animation here is merely adequate. The film incorporates a mix of 2D and 3D elements, showcasing well-crafted character models and expressions, despite the deliberately cartoonish style. Unfortunately, the settings themselves are not very rich, whether they depict Old Norse times, World War II, or 18th-century Japan.

      The film constantly conveys a sense that this project resulted from budgetary constraints, which is disappointing given Trachtenberg's proven competence with the franchise. Nevertheless, he, co-directing with Joshua Wassung and working from a screenplay by Micho Robert Rutare, is not without shortcomings in his creative choices. The structure falters as the series of short stories only engages with the Killer of Killers concept in the unexpected final act. The stories themselves—including Valkyries, samurai, and soldiers briefly navigating personal conflicts before facing a life-or-death encounter with a Predator—are forgettable and lack the standalone strength that made Prey successful.

      Once the initial setup is out of the way and the focus shifts to survival and chaos (each segment is themed around a specific type of weapon relevant to its time, like shields, swords, and bullets), the cat-and-mouse dynamics can be genuinely thrilling, even without depth. While dialogue is sparse, the performances by Lindsay LaVanchy, Louis Ozawa, and Rick Gonzalez are commendable for their characters. However, unlike Amber Midthunder’s standout role in Prey, there isn't an instantly memorable character here. Michael Biehn's presence is welcomed, serving as a nod to fans without feeling overly forced, as his role isn't linked to his previous character.

      Ultimately, much of the groundwork for the Killer of Killers confrontation feels bland and often unengaging. The scenarios lack depth, with sporadic bursts of violent action insufficient to hold attention until the plot becomes clearer. Predator: Killer of Killers remains lifeless for much of its 84-minute duration, but the climactic surge can almost justify enduring the tedious setup.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★**

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He also serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.