Here’s a bold statement: the Predator franchise has always been about the hunt, but Predator: Badlands flips the script by making the hunter just as intriguing as the prey. And this is the part most people miss: beneath the neon-green blood and alien landscapes, this sequel is a quirky, heart-driven adventure that owes much of its charm to Elle Fanning’s unexpected presence. But let’s back up—because the journey to this realization is as wild as the film itself.
The core of any Predator movie remains the same: a towering, otherworldly creature in a practical suit, this time embodied by New Zealand’s Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Standing at 7-foot-3, his portrayal of Dek, a young and untested Yautja (yes, that’s their species name), is both physically imposing and surprisingly vulnerable. Dek isn’t the seasoned warrior we’re used to seeing; he’s a rookie, fresh off a humiliating beatdown from his sibling and under the disapproving gaze of their warlord father. After a brutal lesson in extreme parenting—think alien discipline gone very, very wrong—Dek is banished to another planet, fueled by a burning desire for vengeance. His mission? Hunt down the “unkillable Kalisk” and prove his worth. Sounds familiar, right? But here’s where it gets interesting.
Dek’s journey is less about the hunt and more about his growth, though the film doesn’t always know how to handle this. His character’s sensitivity feels like a missed opportunity, a trait that could have added depth but instead lingers in the background. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Dek’s arc a wasted chance for character development, or does it leave room for future exploration? Let’s just say the franchise has bigger fish—or should I say, predators—to fry.
Enter Elle Fanning as Thia, a half-robot, legless companion who steals the show with her semi-stoned, witty commentary. Strapped to Dek’s back like a futuristic C-3PO, Thia’s babbling questions (“Do your outside fangs or inside teeth do the chewing?”) inject humor and humanity into what could have been a bland sci-fi romp. When her vicious sister Tessa (also played by Fanning) enters the scene, the film finds its rhythm, blending action, comedy, and a touch of corporate satire. Speaking of which, Predator: Badlands is yet another Hollywood sci-fi flick that critiques big business while ironically relying on its blockbuster appeal. Thought-provoking question: Is this a clever meta-commentary, or just another example of Hollywood eating its cake and having it too?
Director Dan Trachtenberg delivers a competent, if not groundbreaking, addition to the franchise. The film nods heavily to James Cameron’s Aliens—from its squat vehicles to its soulless corporate directives—but lacks a truly original signature. Yet, Fanning’s performance as Thia is a game-changer, proving that even in a franchise known for its monsters, a well-crafted character can breathe new life into the story.
So, is Predator: Badlands worth your time? If you’re a fan of the franchise, it’s a solid entry with enough twists to keep you engaged. If you’re here for Elle Fanning, she’s the heart and soul of the film, making every scene she’s in unforgettable. Final thought-provoking question: Can a franchise known for its predators finally give its characters the depth they deserve? Let’s hope the next installment takes the bait.
Predator: Badlands
In Yautja and English, with subtitles
Rated: PG-13, for sequences of strong sci-fi violence
Running time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Playing: In wide release Friday, Nov. 7
