‘Predator: Badlands’ Trailer
20th Century Studios has released a trailer for its newest installment, “Predator: Badlands,” featuring performances by Elle Fanning and Demetrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. The film is currently showing in theaters.
There’s definitely a curious trend in Hollywood lately where well-known villains are becoming more sympathetic figures. Just think about “Wicked,” which reinterpreted the Wicked Witch from “The Wizard of Oz” as a misunderstood character, now expanded into a two-part musical. Disney has also played around with this concept in movies like “Maleficent” and “Cruella.” I mean, they’ve even crafted a trilogy around “Venom,” one of Spider-Man’s biggest adversaries!
In “Predator: Badlands,” 20th Century Studios reimagines the iconic series we first saw in 1987, where the dangerous Predator is a formidable alien warrior. However, in this film, the Predator isn’t the main antagonist. Instead, we focus on Deku (Demetrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) from the Yautja tribe, who faces ridicule from his warrior clan due to his short stature. His brother attempts to help him improve his combat skills while their father seems to have given up hope on him.
Deku is determined to prove his worth and decides to pursue the ultimate challenge—the Calisk. This creature is described as a monstrous, lizard-like being, combining traits of lions and gorillas, and has regenerative abilities.
When Deku crash-lands on the planet Jenna, he encounters Tia (Elle Fanning), a synthetic humanoid from Weyland-Yutani—yes, that same company from the “Alien” franchise, hinting at possible crossover adventures. Tia, trapped in a vulture nest, knows the location of the Calisk (she’s actually missing her leg, which was taken by the creature). While the situation is dire, Deku sees Tia as a crucial asset for navigating the dangers ahead, even if he sometimes treats her like just a survival tool.
Tia, in her quest, hopes to reunite with another synthetic named Tessa, whom she views as a sister. She explains to Deku that they are designed to feel emotions, a concept foreign to the Yautja, whose traditions emphasize strength and endurance. At one moment, Deku questions if Tia could manage alone, to which she replies, “I can survive alone, but who would want to survive alone?”
This unusual pairing of the stoic Deku and the chatty Tia adds a buddy-comedy vibe to “Badlands.” There’s an unpredictable energy as they navigate various threats like lethal plants and menacing monsters.
It’s interesting to note that “Badlands” is the sixth film in the “Predator” series, though it does not include the “Alien vs. Predator” entries. Unlike its R-rated predecessor, this film holds a PG-13 rating, likely because it avoids human casualties, even if it shows plenty of alien-related violence.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg—known for the well-received 2022 installment “Prey”—the film crafts a captivating world and injects intensity into its straightforward narrative. The visuals are remarkable, combined with stunning special effects. However, if you’re looking for Trachtenberg’s standout work, “10 Cloverfield Lane” might be where you want to look.
Verdict:
“Predator: Badlands” is an entertaining popcorn flick that gives fresh energy to a long-standing sci-fi saga. It might not be a must-see, but Trachtenberg’s interpretation is filled with action and fun, suggesting an interesting path ahead for Deku and Tia.
★★★ — Stream later
“Predator: Badlands” is rated PG-13 for some sci-fi violence and has a runtime of 1 hour 47 minutes, currently in theaters.
