Predator: Badlands is the seventh film in the almost 40-year-old beloved series (we do not count the two Alien vs Predator crossover travesties) and it ranks as one of the best. The science fiction, monster/action movie spirit of the previous six entries is enhanced by a thunderous warrior spirit of steel and survival. If John Milius directed a Predator film, this would be the one.
In 2022, director Dan Trachtenberg successfully recharged the series with his fantastic “prequel”, Prey. This summer, the talented filmmaker gifted fans with the artistic triumph that was the animated Predator: Killer of Killers. With his third consecutive movie for the series, Trachtenberg solidifies himself as this generation’s Predator director. His entries are the best since John McTiernan’s 1987 original; each one fueled by an inventive screenplay and an admiration for old school powerhouse action. Trachtenberg’s latest is no exception. Predator: Badlands is a grand cinematic adventure.
Written by Patrick Aison (from a story by director Trachtenberg), the film follows Dek, a member of the Yautja species whose fighting skills do not match those of his brother Kwei, who has proven himself a superior warrior.
Their father and leader of the Yautja clan, Njohrr, sees Dek as weak and one who brings shame to their species. Njohrr orders Kwei to kill his brother, but the son defies his father. Dek escapes in a ship to “the death planet,” Genna. The young predator hopes to earn the respect of his clan by killing a creature called the Kalisk. This is a beast so fierce that no predator has ever survived a confrontation.
Dek is a form of alien “ronin”; a warrior with no master and one that is still searching for his power and his place. Once on Genna, from the moment he steps outside of his spacecraft, the predator learns the meaning of the film’s title. With every step, there is a greater danger. The planet itself is trying to kill this intruder.
After barely surviving encounters with some truly deadly plant-life (there’s an exciting fight with vines. Vines!), Dek discovers Thia (Elle Fanning), a dismembered and malfunctioning synthetic. Thia becomes Dek’s unwanted traveling companion, but their “relationship” becomes so much more as the android helps him to discover the leader within. Their journey will see the predator become a protector.
Aison’s screenplay puts real thought into the intricacies of the lore created by Jim and John Thomas, all those years ago. The inventive design of Dek’s character arc does not erase the well-established mystique of our favorite alien hunters. Aison and Trachtenberg add more intricate layers to their lead creature, toying with what the film’s audience will expect. The filmmaker’s creative ambitions are infectious and never falter. The door to further stories is wide open.
Through carefully choreographed body movements, great makeup/costume design, and eyes that show emotions one wouldn’t expect from a Predator, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi gives Dex life. The New Zealand-born actor does some terrific work; crafting something surprisingly emotional through the monstrous artistry of his costume. As Thia, Ella Fanning matches her co-star’s work in equal measure. Once it is revealed that Thia has malfunctioned, Fanning’s performance of near-constant, rapid fire talking reveals itself as something quite special.
One of the reasons this film works so well is how the script is devoid of human characters. Dedicated followers of the franchise have seen the creature(s) go up against mercenaries, L.A. street cops, serial killers, samurai, and an indigenous tribe. It is refreshing to experience a Predator fighting his own species, armed synthetic soldiers, and the most dangerous foe, the elements of the planet Genna. Watching Dex learn to survive (and learn how to be a defender) while escaping one deadly trap after another makes for an exciting adventure story. Trachtenberg keeps the action sharp and cinematically powerful while cinematographer Jeff Cutter shoots wide and never results to a shaky-cam style. Jonathan Tomuri’s combat choreography is top shelf, while the stunt teams certainly get a workout amongst the explosions and clashing steel.
The entire piece is driven by a rousing and thunderous score from Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch. Their use of bass drums and strong, chanting, choruses gives the film an epic quality. The Yautja clan are warriors. Schachner stated that their compositions include chants in the Yautja language. Just roll with it! When we see Predators fighting with swords and armor, the composers’ work raises the film to a rousing battle cry.
For some, to watch one of the titular creature find emotion and empathy might be off-putting. Trachtenberg and Aison assure this “flip of the script” is handled with respect. This doesn’t weaken the character. That Dex finds the ability to care for others is a bit strange, but it ultimately makes him stronger. It is clever to watch how he reluctantly forms his own clan of three; himself, Thia, and a little creature named Bud. If this entry has any flaws (it barely does), it would be how little Bud is too cutesy. This thing is certainly dangerous, but sweet to those who are kind to him. The designers created a face with big eyes that look to be from a Disney film. Amongst all the mayhem and hardcore action, Bud is just too cute to be a part of such a dark story.
Trachtenberg takes the series on a different path and ups the ante for what audiences expect from a Predator film. His work here (and his two previous entries) is imaginative and clever. Because of his supreme dedication to the original films, this one keeps the essence of McTiernan’s Predator while creating something wholly different.
There are thrills, chills, laughs, and even a little warmth. There are action scenes that will take your breath away and eye-popping visuals that dazzle. Thirty-eight years later (to quote another Sci-Fi Monster Movie classic) “life found a way.” That life is named Dan Trachtenberg.
Through his inventive direction and Patrick Aison’s uber-creative screenplay, Predator: Badlands works. Nay, it REALLY works.
This is one hell of a film.
Predator: Badlands
Written by Patrick Aison from a story by Dan Trachtenberg (based on characters created by Jim and John Thomas)
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg
Starring Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Elle Fanning, Michael Homick, Reuben de Jong, Rohinal Nayaran
PG-13, 107 Minutes, 20th Century Studios
