Writer’s note: The second paragraph of this article (just below the first image) contains a basic outline of the film’s premise. There are no spoilers that weren’t already inferred in the film’s own trailer. However, if you want to completely avoid potential spoilers, skip over the second paragraph.
Just like any self-respecting fan of action films, I love Predator (1987). It may not have been the originator of all its iconic elements, but it did it better than every other similar film. Star Arnold Schwarzenegger and director John McTiernan were at the height of their powers, while Jim and John Thomas delivered a to-the-point script which creatively toyed with a few separate genres. Predator is a slasher film, but instead of stupid teenagers, the team of victims are a group of macho action heroes. Instead of a crazed murderer or fantasy monster, the killer is an anthropomorphic science fiction creature. It’s a highly enjoyable recipe, adding up to a highly enjoyable adventure. So, it’s quite baffling that it took close to 40 years to repeat that recipe. Following years of disappointing sequels, Dan Trachtenberg resurrected the series with the excellent Prey (2022), followed by an additional little animated treat with Predator: Killer of Killers (2025). In the space of three years, the number of good Predator films jumped from one to three. Now, Trachtenberg is back with Predator: Badlands (2025).
The film opens on the home planet of the Predators, as we are reintroduced to the titular aliens, canonically known as Yautja. We are introduced to a young (and weak) Yautja from a local tribe, Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), who is desperate to prove his mettle as a hunter. After repeatedly disappointing his father, the leader of the tribe, Dek is marked for death. However, his brother Kwei (Mike Homik) sacrifices himself to save Dek. In order to honour his brother and prove himself, Dek travels to the hostile planet Genna, intending to hunt and kill the Kalisk, a terrifying creature thought to be unkillable. Upon landing, Dek is faced with many harrowing and deadly challenges, eventually coming across a damaged (but still conscious) android named Thia (Elle Fanning). Despite wanting to complete his hunt alone, Dek reluctantly partners with Thia, who offers to help navigate the dangers of the planet en route to finding the Kalisk.
There’s something very important to address right away when discussing these films: the lore of the Predator series has always been exceedingly stupid. For years, the films, books, comics and games have gone into great detail to describe how Predators are a race of honourable warriors. They apparently follow a strict code in who and how they hunt and kill, and fans have obsessed over these details for decades. However, none of it makes sense, and doesn’t even hold true in the original film. In the 1987 classic, that Predator isn’t following any rules, or codes of honour, as he’s clearly just a trophy hunting meathead. He wasn’t a righteous anti-hero, but instead was a purely evil, bloodthirsty idiot. This is partly why so many Predator films are lacking, because the filmmakers were always trying (and failing) to justify the Predators’ murderous rampage. Conversely, this is why the series finally got back on track with Prey and Killer of Killers: Director Dan Trachtenberg kept the Predator as the antagonist. Interestingly, Trachtenberg has this time decided to dig deep into the Predator lore, making Predator: Badlands the most earnest attempt at turning the Predator from a villain into an anti-hero.
At first, this is worrying, as you’re sitting in the theatre wondering ‘how on earth am I supposed to empathise with this giant, monster-faced creep?’ That worry melts away fairly quickly, as the character of Dek is surprisingly engaging. For the first time in any of these films, we feel fully immersed in this strange alien culture. Dek’s goal is simple, but he feels highly motivated, making for a pleasantly compelling journey. Like all great protagonists, you want to see Dek succeed at his goals, you cheer at his successes, you groan at his setbacks and you’re thrilled by the challenges he faces. Despite it seeming like a bad idea, Trachtenberg takes all the worst elements of Predator lore, and he shoves them in front of the viewer, forcing them to like it. To be clear, the experience is very endearing, which is especially impressive considering that most of the film is spoken entirely in a fictional alien language.
Trachtenberg’s bravery in making something worthwhile out of this franchise’s worst elements doesn’t end there, given that he fully commits to the series’ goofy connection to the Alien franchise. Many will remember the terribly silly Alien vs Predator films from the early 2000s, but very few saw those as anything more than a joke. For Predator: Badlands, Trachtenberg makes a serious attempt to connect the two franchises, with Thia’s entire subplot bringing over the Weyland-Yutani corporation and themes of corporate greed for her arc. Thankfully, it fits fairly seamlessly into the narrative, and we are spared any needless cameos from the Alien films. If you weren’t aware of the connection between the two franchises, Predator: Badlands’ use of those story elements still functions without issue.
In fact, that is the word which perfectly describes the film: function. Every plot thread has a use, every character has memorable traits, and every set up has a payoff. Rarely do we see action blockbusters with so few holes, especially ones based in such outlandishly silly stories. Even though the material is far from high art, Trachtenberg clearly cares very deeply about his work on these Predator films, and wants to make sure we can glean some relatability from this world of aliens and monsters. It’s quite charming in how sincere it is, seemingly aware that half the viewers will see this as the coolest thing ever, and the other half will see this as a hilarious farce. That being said, the adherence to functionality does mean that the story can never truly shock the viewer, as they’ll be able to accurately predict what happens next.
Although, it doesn’t matter that you can see every reveal coming from a mile away, because Predator: Badlands is ultimately a rip-roaring good time. Yes it’s silly, and yes it’s a hodgepodge of all the craziest parts of the Predator series, but it’s so lovingly delivered that it’s hard not to smile while watching it. Predator: Badlands is a 14 year old’s dream movie, which is ironic considering that this series is known for its R-rated violence. However, Trachtenberg has figured out a work around for that, producing an action adventure that is just as brutal as the series requires, yet still making it suitable for younger viewers. How has he done this? Simply, all the kills are of monsters, robots and aliens, so Predator: Badlands’ violence is both gory and completely bloodless at the same time. For once, you don’t have to feel guilty when your child is begging you to let them watch the super violent action film with the cool monster.
Dan Trachtenberg seems to love the Predator franchise more than most people love their own children, and that love is infectious on the audience. Predator: Badlands may not break any ground or win any Oscars, but it does exactly what it sets out to do with confidence and style.
7.5/10
Best way to watch it: With your teenage kids.
