Predator: Badlands allows viewers to spend time with the Yautja like we never have before, which adds so much more emotion to the story.
Predator: Badlands showcases the Yautja like the franchise has never done before, and while this approach made me nervous at first, it did not take long to settle in. Where in the past we have spent time with the humans who are being tracked by a Predator, this time around the film centers on Dek, the runt of his Yautja clan, and his hunt to prove himself worthy.
Seen as weak by his father, he sets off to prove himself by going after a trophy that no Yautja has been able to kill before, which sets him down an unexpected and emotional path. Along the way, he meets Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synth, and they form an unlikely bond.
Predator: Badlands Gives Fans An Emotional Story They Never Expected
Because of the story being told by Predator: Badlands, viewers will come to care about Dek. I never expected to root for a Predator, let alone care about one, but here we are. Right from the start of the movie, we are in it with Dek. Learning about who he is, why he is forced to have to prove himself by going after the most difficult trophy, and the way his clan has treated him.
But it really is the connection that he forms with Thia that pushes the emotion and the heart of the film over the edge. Yautja hunt alone, but Thia works her way into his life despite him trying so very hard not to want to be around her. The friendship that is formed takes Predator: Badlands to a whole new level in a way the franchise has never accomplished.
This is in large part due to the emotional beats that Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi are able to deliver. It is darn near impossible not to fall in love with both of them. Fanning’s Thia offers the comedy and innocence that plays off of Dek’s ruggedness and stubbornness well. They will both be fan favorites of the franchise by the time everyone sees this film, mark my words.
Predator: Badlands Doesn’t Replace The Action With Heart, However
Have no fear, just because the movie tells an emotional story, it doesn’t mean it leaves the action in the dust. In fact, Predator: Badlands delivers on some of the best fight sequences that we have seen in the entire franchise. They are filled with blood, gore, and pure insanity.
Because this movie takes place on a foreign planet, that means there are many creatures (and plantlife) that we have never met before. This opens up a whole world of crazy powers and fight moves that deliver one epic battle after another. Without spoilers, it all comes together in a way that will have viewers cheering in the third act.
Overall Thoughts On Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands switches things up in the franchise without taking away what makes it so beloved, and that can be very difficult to do. Director Dan Trachtenberg has rejuvenated the Predator films with his latest installments, and this is no different. There is still plenty of action, which makes it a whole lot of fun, but the surprise comes in finding yourself caring about Dek, and truly rooting for him to get his trophy and prove himself to his clan.
Besides the story being so captivating and just genuinely a good time, the CG is well done, the production and sets are stunning, and this new world is one that fans will hope to revisit time and time again. Sequel when?
About Predator: Badlands
“Predator: Badlands,” which stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, is set in the future on a remote planet, where a young Predator (Schuster-Koloamatangi), outcast from his clan, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
Predator: Badlands comes to theaters on November 7.
