Rating: 4.5/5
Synopsis:
Dan Trachtenberg’s third “Predator” film takes the biggest swing yet. It switches up the formula, making the Yautja a protagonist in his own story. We encounter Dek, a young Yautja who is deemed the runt of his clan. He must prove himself worthy of being a valiant warrior, otherwise being eliminated for his weakness. He travels to Genna, a planet filled with hostility and violence. There, he encounters Thia, a malfunctioning robot from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation intent on helping him and returning to her base. Dek and Thia must survive the treacherous environment to achieve their mission. Will they succeed? Or will they fall victim to this world of pain?
Positives:
The original “Predator” was a movie that played on repeat in my home growing up. I loved it, enjoying the macho bravado that Schwarzenegger and his team personified. I also found the idea of an invisible hunter picking off worthy adversaries for sport fascinating. “Predator: Badlands” mixes up the formula entirely, giving us a chance to experience a film from a Yautja’s perspective. Director Dan Trachtenberg takes a risk with this change. To my surprise, I absolutely loved it! This is one of the most immersive sci-fi experiences I’ve had in a very long time. “Badlands” keeps enough of what we love about the previous movies while adding influences of “Star Wars” and “Dune” throughout the story. The immaculate world building is impressive, where we get to learn more about the Yautja culture and what they value in their hierarchy. Dek is a phenomenal lead as an underdog protagonist. He so desperately wants to please his father and prove his size isn’t an obstacle that will limit his abilities as a hunter. We quickly see how impactful his brother has been as a support system and the protective nature they have for one another. As the film progresses, Dek then forges an unusual relationship with Thia that becomes stronger as they learn more about one another. It’s reminiscent of the Chewbacca/C-3P0 or Mandalorian/Grogu dynamic in their respective “Star wars” adventures. I didn’t expect a “Predator” film to be so character centric but here we are.
The film’s opening fifteen minutes immediately grabbed me, featuring swooping landscapes of the Yautja home world and a booming score that is reminiscent of the recent “Dune” films. I felt immersed into this world quickly and efficiently. The events that kickstart the plot gets audiences invested into Dek’s story with a surprising amount of emotion. This raises the stakes for his journey and what he is willing to do to succeed. We also hear Yautja speak for the first time in any “Predator” film. I’m impressed at how much effort was spent in inventing a brand new language just for this film. It’s another piece of the story that helps audiences feel wrapped up in the world around them. As Dek and Thia travel across this dangerous planet, we are treated to so many unique creature designs that help flesh out this environment. Even the treacherous razor grass and poisonous plants add to the danger around every corner. The film quickly establishes the story and hits the ground running. The fast pace of the story and no nonsense approach keeps the audience engaged. If it’s not one thing attacking Dek, it’s another. Pacing is also a strength, featuring loads of intense fight sequences and action. We get the best of both worlds, where a strong story and non stop action actually compliment one another. “Badlands” doesn’t overstay its welcome and makes the most of its tight runtime.
The visual effects are another impressive part of the film’s immersive nature. The new design of the Yautja is distinct to the film. Attention to detail is strong, whether it be the texture of their skin or the intricate suits they wear. We are introduced to new Yautja weaponry, with a highlight being their glowing red swords. Dek is forced to use this weaponry without the cloaking device his species is known for. I enjoyed seeing him fight on a ground level with basic weaponry to establish his skillset. But outside of his desire to become a great warrior, he is forced to reckon with the potential shortsighted nature of his quest. As Dek learns the value of teamwork and family, he is presented with the idea of becoming more than what is expected of him. Thia presents him with a wonderful analogy of Wolves, where their strength is hunting in packs and working in tandem rather than facing each challenge alone. As the story progresses, we see a poignant character journey, wonderful world building, impressive visual effects, and a sharp score. What more could we ask for in a “Predator” film?
Negatives:
“Badlands” accomplishes a lot in one movie. It manages to revitalize the franchise with a fresh perspective and unique story. But it does have a few areas that could have been tidied up. The main part that some fans of the series may struggle with is the idea of a Yautja being sympathetic. They have always been an antagonistic force to human protagonists, where much of their backstory is left unexplored. This story may remove some of the mystique these creatures carried for so many years, favoring an anti-hero format and a story of found family. I personally enjoyed this change but I could see some fans finding the change jarring. There are also some elements of the Disney influence that softens the cold-blooded nature of the “Predator” format. Not only does Dek get a journey of heroism, but there is some unexpected humor and silliness throughout the story. It didn’t bother me too much but if it went any further I would be very critical of this change.
Conclusion:
“Predator: Badlands” strikes gold with its new approach! It gives us a journey worth getting invested in, featuring a unique spin on the “Predator” lore while injecting a surprising amount of heart into the story. Dek and Thia are excellent leads, each getting great moments to shine. The world building surrounding the Yautja culture and treacherous planet of Genna is impressive. Each of the new creatures Dek encounters combined with the intricate environment helps audiences feel like a part of the story. The score and action are also standouts. Within the first fifteen minutes, I knew this would be a special experience. Sure, a few overly humorous moments and pivots from standard “Predator” lore might not be to everyone’s preference, but this is a sequel that does something different. That’s commendable in an environment of repetitive sequels and throwaway material. “Badlands” is one of the most impressive films of 2025 and a must see in a Dolby or IMAX theater!
