Predator: Badlands

Predator: Badlands

Released November 7, 2025

Written and Directed by Dan Trachtenberg

* No Spoilers *

I have always enjoyed the Predator movies, even when they haven’t been all that good. A tribe of alien creatures who are driven by their desire to hunt is such a rich canvas for intriguing lore and cool set pieces. No one has really embraced that story potential like Dan Trachtenberg, who recently revived the series with the 2018 sleeper hit Prey. Earlier this year he also directed the animated feature Predator: Killer of Killers, both of which were deeply under-appreciated as direct-to-streaming releases (available now on Hulu/Disney+). After having seen both and loving them, I am glad his most recent film, Predator: Badlands, received a proper budget and theatrical release.   

This is peak sci-fi survival action, but at its core Badlands is a buddy adventure comedy. Not what you’d expect, I know, but stick with me. Trapped on a hostile planet, two unlikely allies join together to help reclaim their place amongst their people. Thematically this is a surprisingly rich take on tradition, loneliness, and using your perceived weakness as a source of strength. I like the conversation about wolves, and how the alpha is not the most vicious but the one that best takes care of the pack. It’s not terribly deep and a lot of the messaging is catered toward a younger (teen) audience, but I still appreciate what they’re going for.

From its intense and gripping opening it was clear that this would be far more character-driven than expected. Presenting the story from the perspective of a Predator (or Yautja, as they are called) is a bold and unique premise. I had doubts about pulling that off but it works and is remarkably fresh. The fact that I can identify and empathize with a monstrous reptilian creature is a testament to the incredible filmmaking, visual effects, and acting.

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Far North) plays the lead character of Dek. A runt amongst the Yautja, he is cast out for his weakness, and determined to earn his place in the tribe. The character is brought to life with a seamless blend of CGI and practical makeup effects, both of which look phenomenal. Dimitrius’ physical performance, stunt work, and more solemn moments are deeply resonant with powerful emotion conveyed through his expressions and eyes.

At times there is no dialogue, telling the story purely through visuals and editing. Even where there is dialogue it is often not in English but the fictional language of Yautja. Full of guttural hisses, and clicking consonants, it sounds intense and full of bravado, but also subtle and calm when needed. Having all of Dimitrius’ dialogue in Yautja and emoting properly through it shows just how great his physical performance is.

Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown) plays a double role as the co-lead Thia, as well as the antagonist Tessa. Both are synths or androids, a creation that fans of the Alien franchise will be familiar with. Typically heartless and robotic, Fanning plays these characters so differently from each other. Thia is inquisitive, empathetic, and a bit silly, while Tessa is cold, calculating, and driven only by a desire to fulfil her mission.

I enjoyed how Thia and Dek mirror each other as they explore their place amongst their “family” and the contrasting relationships with their siblings. On top of that the character motivations are constantly shifting. Their goals align for a time until competing interests force them to clash. The midpoint twist reveal was a great way to completely flip the dynamics while feeling earned and logically developed over the rest of the story. Some might see the switches as jarring and the pace as too rapid, but for me it worked and was pretty efficient.

There is a creature companion that the group encounters, and I am sure audiences will be divided on it. The effects for this character are a bit rough, but I am willing to overlook it given how great Dek looks. At first I was worried this might be a Jar Jar Binks situation but they nailed the humour and endearing quality of the character. There is one scene with a gag that didn’t get me at first but by the end of the scene I,  and the rest of the theatre, were all laughing. Overall, the comedic moments land better than you’d think, making this a lot more fun because it wasn’t overly serious. Some die-hards may think it is too comedic and not gritty enough, but for me the humour adds heart without sacrificing epic-ness.

The choreography and stunt work are extraordinarily creative, with gruesome kills and superb action. There is a scene where Thia (who has been separated from her lower body) is fighting as both a torso and a set of legs in tandem. It’s something I guarantee you’ve never seen before and I was scratching my head trying to figure out how they did it. A real showcase of ingenuity.

The production design, especially of this world and its creatures, is brilliant. The alien planet of Genna is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Full of deadly flora and fauna. If you are a fan of the Metroid Prime video games, you will feel right at home. The way they shoot the environments and enhance them with visual effects makes things feel completely alien but also tactile and real. The colour palette is a bit muted, and at times too muddled and grey, but it made things feel more grounded than fantastical. Badlands also has some breathtaking scenic vistas, with wide views of mountainous landscapes while characters trek across the land.  I initially hesitated to watch this in 3D, and was frustrated that those were the only showings available, but having seen it I get why. They made great use of the effect, and even if it’s a gimmick I felt it added to the experience. 

The sound design is deeply immersive, with the hisses, roars, and screeches of these creatures really selling the alien world. Better still is the phenomenal music. Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch, who worked on Killer or Killers and Prey, make for a brilliant combo of composers. The music is rousing and epic, full of panning synths, heavy electric bass, and a relentless tribal drum beat, that will get you pumped. Perfect for a workout playlist. 

Badlands is a great example of telling a lean and straightforward story that is still packed with character development and world-building. It’s full-octane from the start and remains entertaining, resonant, and fun without feeling like it overstays its welcome. I left wanting more, and I hope I get it. Dan Trachtenberg once again delivers exactly what I want in an action-adventure blockbuster film. A character driven story, with exciting action choreography, unique set pieces, and solid humour. Overall a really good time at the cinema.

7.5/10 - Not as fresh as Prey, and not as iconic as the original, but it is certainly the next best in the Predator franchise. Badlands is a fantastic sci-fi buddy action movie with a lot more heart and character than you’d expect. That’s saying a lot given the lead character is a tendril-faced alien reptile who speaks a totally fictional language. I really hope we get a sequel because I think Trachtenberg is just getting started.

When can I learn Yautja on duolingo?

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