In every corner of the universe, the Predator waits. From lush jungles to icy landscapes, this alien monster has captivated audiences since its debut.
As a kid, I found the Predator exciting. Unlike the terrifying Alien from Ridley Scott’s film, the Predator had its own unique charm. Each movie showcased a different Predator hunting humans, turning Earth into a playground for this ruthless being. With gadgets like invisibility cloaks and lethal weapons, these aliens brought a thrilling blend of terror and fascination.
The latest film, Predator: Badlands, flips the script by allowing us to root for the Predator. Here, we meet Dek, an exiled Predator played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. He steps onto the jungle planet Genna to hunt the unyielding beast, the Kalisk. Dek hopes claiming its skull will win the approval of his father—and possibly avenge past wrongs. Joining him on this adventure is Thia, an android with a tragic backstory, skillfully portrayed by Elle Fanning. Their journey leads them into unexpected challenges that reveal deeper mysteries on the planet.
Badlands offers a strong premise. Director Dan Trachtenberg has successfully reimagined the franchise in past films by placing Predators in unique scenarios, like 1700s America. This time, making the Predator the hero adds a fresh twist and creates a mix of tension and lightness.
The landscape of Genna is vividly hostile, teeming with unusual creatures. The Kalisk, cleverly hidden for much of the film, packs a punch when it finally appears, echoing the awe of classic monster movies. Schuster-Koloamatangi’s Dek is portrayed with empathy, making him more relatable. Fanning’s performance brilliantly balances innocence and intelligence, adding depth to their story.
Yet, the film stumbles with fan service, cramming in references from previous movies rather than carving out its own identity. The presence of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation feels forced and detracts from this new story. The climax, with a mech battle reminiscent of Aliens, highlights how much Badlands struggles to match its predecessors in creativity and impact.
Another challenge is the film’s PG-13 rating. This marks a shift for the franchise, softening the once-graphic edge that made the earlier films thrilling. The cultural depth of the Predators, previously steeped in mystery, is diluted. We see their society in greater detail, but it risks losing the enigmatic qualities that made them intriguing. Dek’s character feels more human, diminishing the alien mystique.
This shift reminds me of earlier Star Wars projects, which also tried to humanize and demystify complex characters, sometimes for the worse. While Thia’s automatic translator helps the two connect, it undermines the idea of communication between vastly different beings.
Ultimately, Predator: Badlands takes bold risks that make it stand out within the franchise. It doesn’t quite hit the mark but offers an exciting new direction. Not every hunt ends in victory, and this film proves that exploring new stories can be both rewarding and challenging.
For more insights into the Predator franchise and its evolution, you can read the latest reports on the topic here.
