Photo by © 20th Century Studios
After a long absence from theaters, the Predator franchise returns to the big screen with one of its strongest entries to date, Predator: Badlands. The film introduces a fresh and inventive concept that the series has long needed, and it signals a promising future for this beloved, long-standing franchise, cherished by generations of action and science fiction fans.
Photo by © 20th Century Studios
The story follows Dek, an unusually small and physically slight young member of the Yautja tribe—the species from which the Predators originate. This race prides itself on physical dominance and ritualistic hunting. Dek’s physical shortcomings create tension between him and his father, the tribe’s leader, culminating in a confrontation that leads to his brother’s death while defending him from their father’s hands. Forced to flee his home planet, Dek sets out to hunt a legendary beast in hopes of earning his father’s respect and reclaiming his place within the tribe.
This premise is particularly compelling because it places a Predator at the center of the narrative, with almost no human presence. The film reveals that these creatures possess distinct personalities and complex motivations, rather than being mindless, bloodthirsty extraterrestrials. This approach feels new for the franchise and fulfills one of the longtime wishes of its fans. Over the course of the film, Dek begins to question his tribe’s brutal traditions, gradually embracing ideas considered unacceptable among his kind—such as cooperation and challenging inherited beliefs.
Photo by © 20th Century Studios
The film’s second central character is Thia, a friendly android portrayed by the outstanding Elle Fanning. Thia is a research robot created by Weyland-Yutani, the infamous corporation from the Alien films—both classic and modern installments. Her inclusion hints at the exciting possibility of a future crossover between two of cinema’s most iconic creatures: the Predator and the Xenomorph.
Thia happens to be stranded on the same deadly planet where Dek seeks his prey. Despite having lost both her legs, she manages to save Dek from a lethal trap. Initially, Dek sees her merely as a useful hunting tool and regards her with contempt. However, their relationship gradually evolves into a genuine partnership, forming their own makeshift tribe as allies and friends in this hostile world. Thia’s physical limitations create both touching and occasionally humorous moments, while also contributing to inventive and unexpected action sequences.
Elle Fanning also portrays Tessa—the film’s primary antagonist, a twin android to Thia, engineered by Weyland-Yutani as a cold, efficient killing machine programmed to obey orders without hesitation, even if it means destroying her own “sister.” Fanning excels in both roles, delivering two distinct and compelling performances.
Photo by © 20th Century Studios
The film is nearly flawless. The only potential drawback for longtime fans may be its reduced emphasis on the extreme gore that characterized the first two entries in the series. Personally, however, this did not detract from the experience, as the film still delivers strong and satisfying action.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its setting. The planet itself feels alive and hostile—everything can kill you. From predatory trees that attack anything that moves, to blade-like vegetation, to deadly creatures lurking at every turn, the environment heightens the tension throughout. Even though the protagonist is a formidable alien warrior, the constant danger makes you genuinely question whether he will survive. Add to that the unstoppable Kalisk beast and the epic confrontation between Dek and his father, and the result is a truly cinematic and exhilarating journey.
Photo by © 20th Century Studios
Predator: Badlands marks a turning point in the franchise’s history and promises an exciting future for its fans. Director Dan Trachtenberg proves himself to be the right person to revitalize the series and elevate it to new heights—perhaps even the right choice to revive Alien vs. Predator as well. It stands as one of the best films of the year, and for that reason, my rating is:
8/10
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