Hold onto your seats, because Predator: Badlands is here to shake up everything you thought you knew about the franchise. Boldly redefining the Predator universe, Dan Trachtenberg delivers a film that’s as radical as it is revolutionary, cementing his status as the franchise’s modern-day savior. With Badlands, Trachtenberg doesn’t just continue his streak of success—he elevates it, proving that 2022’s Prey and the animated Killer of Killers were no happy accidents. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a declaration of intent, a testament to what the Predator franchise can—and should—be in the 21st century.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Badlands flips the script entirely by placing a Yautja at the heart of its narrative. Gone are the hapless humans fighting for survival; instead, we’re invited to root for the hunter. Is this a betrayal of the franchise’s roots, or a bold evolution? Fans were quick to voice their opinions when the premise was announced, but Trachtenberg and screenwriter Patrick Aison double down on this risky move, crafting a story that challenges preconceived notions while pushing boundaries. It’s a far cry from the safe, formulaic blockbusters dominating theaters today—think The Mandalorian and Grogu or Alien: Romulus—and that’s precisely what makes it exhilarating.
Set on the alien homeworld of Yautja Prime, Badlands introduces us to Dek, a young Yautja desperate to prove his worth in a society that values strength above all else. Played with raw intensity by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Dek’s journey is equal parts Shakespearean tragedy, buddy comedy, and adrenaline-fueled action flick. And this is the part most people miss: the film isn’t just about hunting; it’s a deeply emotional exploration of identity, family, and the cost of ambition. When Elle Fanning’s Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synth, enters the picture, the story transforms into an unlikely tale of connection, blending genres as seamlessly as its protagonists navigate their worlds.
The chemistry between Schuster-Koloamatangi and Fanning is electric, their performances stealing every scene. Fanning, in particular, shines as she juggles two distinct characters with nothing but subtle shifts in tone and body language. Together, they form a dynamic duo that feels fresh yet familiar, leaving audiences craving more. But is their bond enough to carry the film, or does it risk overshadowing the action? Some might argue that the emotional depth comes at the expense of the franchise’s signature brutality, but Trachtenberg strikes a balance that’s both satisfying and thought-provoking.
Of course, no film is without its flaws. The breakneck pacing, while thrilling, occasionally sacrifices character development for exposition. And while the action sequences are jaw-dropping, the larger scale might leave some longing for the intimacy of Prey. Yet, these quibbles fade in comparison to the film’s achievements. Badlands is the funniest, most heartfelt, and daring Predator entry to date, carving its place in franchise history alongside the 1987 original.
So, here’s the question: Is Predator: Badlands a risky gamble that pays off, or a departure too far from the franchise’s roots? Let us know in the comments—and mark your calendars for November 7, 2025, when this game-changer hits theaters. /Film Rating: 8 out of 10.
