Everyone, how could I possibly not have known about this new film? My flicking through Disney+ came to an abrupt halt. A new Predator film. Predators or Yuatja have gone up against Aliens (the rib-cracking ones) and Arnold Shwarzneggar for God’s sake!
Predator: Badlands is a 2025 American science fiction action film directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison from a story by Trachtenberg and Aison. It is the seventh installment in the Predator franchise and stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi in leading roles.
Predator: Badlands is an absolute blast—a fresh, exhilarating, and surprisingly heartfelt entry in the Predator franchise that breathes new life into the iconic Yautja hunters while delivering nonstop thrills.
The story follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Yautja “runt” cast out from his brutal clan on Yautja Prime. Desperate to prove his worth to his unforgiving father and earn his place as a true hunter, Dek sets off for the nightmarish death planet Genna. His goal? To slay the legendary Kalisk—the ultimate, seemingly unkillable adversary that even seasoned Predators fear. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic (android) who’s lost her lower body but retains sharp wit, resourcefulness, and a surprising amount of heart. Their odd-couple dynamic—gruff alien warrior and clever, talkative synth—becomes the emotional core of the film, blending humor, mutual respect, and genuine growth as they navigate Genna’s lethal ecosystem.
What makes Badlands stand out is how boldly it expands the Predator mythology. We get immersive glimpses into Yautja culture, clan dynamics, and their ruthless honor code, all without slowing down the pace. The homeworld opening sequence is gripping, setting up Dek’s internal conflict perfectly: he’s not just hunting for trophies—he’s fighting for acceptance in a society that values only strength. Once on Genna, the planet itself becomes a character, teeming with deadly flora, ferocious fauna, and environmental hazards that keep the tension sky-high. The action set pieces are inventive and visceral, blending practical effects with seamless CGI for some of the franchise’s most creative hunts and battles yet. From high-tech Predator weaponry to brutal close-quarters combat, it feels raw, tactical, and immensely satisfying.
Visually, the film is a triumph. Trachtenberg and cinematographer Jeff Cutter craft breathtaking, alien vistas that make Genna feel both beautiful and terrifying. The Predator suit work and movement (brought to life with impressive physical performance from Schuster-Koloamatangi and his team) look fantastic, while the creature designs—including the Kalisk and other Genna threats—are imaginative and menacing. The score pulses with energy, enhancing both the quiet character moments and the explosive action.
Performances elevate the whole experience. Schuster-Koloamatangi delivers a compelling, mostly nonverbal turn as Dek, conveying vulnerability, determination, and quiet growth through body language and those iconic Predator mannerisms. It’s a bold choice to humanize the “brute” without losing his edge, and it works beautifully—you’re genuinely rooting for this outcast hunter by the end. Elle Fanning is a standout as Thia; she’s charming, funny, and resilient, turning what could have been a sidekick into a fully realized partner whose banter and ingenuity provide perfect counterbalance to Dek’s stoicism. Their chemistry crackles, turning survival into something warmer and more meaningful. The supporting cast, including the clan dynamics back home, adds weight and stakes without overcomplicating things.
At its core, Predator: Badlands is about more than just hunting—it’s a story of found family, redefining strength, and learning that true worth comes from connection and adaptability rather than raw dominance.
Five stars out of five from me. An absolute must-watch.
Mark's Writing Corner 