Film Review – Predator: Badlands (2025)

      Predator: Badlands, 2025.

      Directed by Dan Trachtenberg.

      Featuring Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Rohinal Nayaran, Michael Homick, Stefan Grube, Reuben De Jong, Cameron Brown, Alison Wright, Matt Duffer, and Ross Duffer.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A young outcast from a Predator clan embarks on a journey to find the ultimate opponent, discovering an unexpected ally along the way.

      In what may be perceived as complimentary by some and pejorative by others, Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands (his first significant theatrical venture after revitalizing the franchise with the acclaimed Prey) could easily be conceived as a video game, potentially excelling in both quality and box office performance. There are extended moments that feel as if they are on the brink of transferring control to a player, reminiscent of watching someone navigate battles in an open-world gaming environment, filled with environmental hazards and monstrous foes to confront using an array of Predator weaponry.

      This observation is not intended as a critique of the film, but rather a reflection. The film’s subversive qualities and straightforward appeal, paired with its potential for greater depth, support the argument that the franchise has much more to explore beyond films, possibly even venturing into high-budget video game development.

      Indeed, Predator: Badlands is an experience that focuses on the hunters, particularly Dek, the underdog of his clan (brilliantly portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who delivers an expressive performance under layers of exceptional makeup and prosthetics). Dek is cast out by his father and embarks on a mission to another planet to hunt a legendary creature, seeking to prove his worth as a warrior and a member of his family. Unsurprisingly, his upbringing revolved around the necessity of violence and demonstrating unyielding physical prowess, instilled by his father and siblings.

      When Dek encounters and saves the severed Weyland-Yutani synthetic Thia (one of Elle Fanning’s dual roles that range from whimsical to menacing), he is convinced she will be a valuable ally in locating the beast he seeks. This creates an intriguing contrast, as the Predator studies living organisms to learn how to combat them, while she champions the idea of coexistence. She attempts to convey the beauty of sensitivity to Dek, but the Predator is indifferent to her notions.

      The film's narrative depth is limited, occasionally leading viewers to disengage due to its simplicity. While it features stunning visuals and sweeping landscapes, highlighted by Predators navigating treacherous terrain, the heavy reliance on CGI strengthens the impression that it may have thrived better as a video game.

      Dan Trachtenberg is adept at choreographing battle scenes (particularly within this franchise), yet here, there's often an emotional disconnect when a Predator engages with CGI creatures or is impeded by animated foliage. It isn’t until the third act, when the stakes become clearer and Dek faces several synthetics (played by real actors), that the action gains a sense of significance. The PG-13 rating isn't a major limitation, as there are some intensely brutal moments that the filmmakers manage to incorporate.

      Several negative aspects appear to stem from studio meddling, such as the inclusion of an adorable, smaller creature that serves as a market-friendly stand-in reminiscent of Grogu or Jar Jar Binks. Additionally, like many contemporary franchise films, the plot interweaves abusive family dynamics with themes of found family. In other words, it might just be the favorite Predator film of Vin Diesel. While it offers a fresh perspective, it strays considerably from what initially attracted audiences to the original, creating mixed feelings about the content. The notion of a misunderstood, heroic Predator is somewhat silly, even if the overall execution is mostly successful.

      Dan Trachtenberg, alongside screenwriter Patrick Aison, delivers a streamlined narrative with efficient action, yet his unique take on the franchise feels influenced by studio pressures and oversimplified. Predator: Badlands resembles the experience of watching someone engage in an exceptional video game on an IMAX screen. There are compelling reasons to suggest it might function better as one. As continual efforts are made to extract more from this franchise, it appears there are other tantalizing possibilities for exploration.

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

      Robert Kojder