A surprising and emotional turn in the Predator saga.
I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard Alien or Predator fan, but I’ve always loved the cinematic experiences these franchises deliver. I may not have caught every single installment, but films like Prey and Alien: Romulus hooked me in once again. And now, Predator: Badlands — directed by Dan Trachtenberg — has completely won me over.
Set in the future on a remote planet, Predator: Badlands follows a young Predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) who’s been outcast from his clan. He crosses paths with Thia (Elle Fanning), forming an uneasy alliance as they journey together through dangerous terrain in search of the ultimate adversary. What unfolds is a thrilling and surprisingly heartfelt chapter that merges two legendary universes in ways fans won’t see coming.
Dan Trachtenberg Does It Again
Trachtenberg, known for 10 Cloverfield Lane and Prey, continues to prove his mastery of tension and emotion. What makes Predator: Badlands so impressive is its balance between visceral action and genuine storytelling. Half of the film is told in Yautja — the Predator’s native language — and yet, it never loses the audience’s attention. Instead, it pulls you deeper into their culture, emotions, and moral code.
The decision to humanize the Predator species gives the movie an emotional core unlike anything in the franchise before. It’s both a coming-of-age story and a survival epic wrapped in sci-fi horror. The merging of the Alien and Predator mythologies is subtle but powerful, hinting at a larger universe while staying grounded in personal storytelling.
Stellar Performances and Powerful Visuals
Schuster-Koloamatangi absolutely carries this movie — literally and figuratively. His physical performance under the Predator suit is captivating, and I’d love to see a behind-the-scenes documentary showcasing how he brought this character to life.
Elle Fanning delivers a strong dual-role performance as Thia, though her character’s dialogue and choices sometimes took me out of the experience. Still, her chemistry with Schuster-Koloamatangi keeps the emotional connection alive throughout.
Visually, Predator: Badlands is stunning in scope but occasionally struggles in execution. Some action sequences felt a bit too fast, blurry, or dark — which might have been due to my DOLBY screening. The sound was cranked to 11, and while that added intensity, it sometimes overwhelmed the visuals. The CGI landscapes and creature designs are beautiful, though I wish they had been a bit sharper and more immersive.
A Franchise Reinvented
Despite those minor issues, Predator: Badlands delivers a cinematic experience that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy. It humanizes the Yautja, explores loyalty and survival, and expands this universe in a fresh, emotional way. My wife even declared it her favorite movie of the year — and that says something.
Trachtenberg’s direction, a standout lead performance, and a daring story make Predator: Badlands a bold and satisfying evolution for the Predator legacy.
Predator: Badlands opens exclusively in theaters on November 7, 2025.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
