Reviews

Since the Predator made its movie debut in 1987’s Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, it has appeared in seven more films and become one of the most iconic sci-fi villains.

Now, in Predator: Badlands, the ninth instalment in the Predator franchise, we see the familiar antagonist as the protagonist for the first time, and follow the story from the extraterrestrial’s point of view.

The action-adventure, directed by Prey‘s Dan Trachtenberg, tells the story of Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a runt Yautja who is about to be killed by his family for being weak.

His brother saves him by sending him to the dangerous planet of Genna, where he intends to slay a fearsome mythical creature to prove his bravery and strength.

Along the way, he encounters a legless synth named Thia (Elle Fanning), who works for the Weyland-Yutani corporation (the company from the Alien franchise), and she offers to help him find his beast if he returns her to her sister Tessa.

Badlands is a 12A-rated sci-fi action film with a lighthearted buddy comedy vibe and plenty of laughs, which is probably significantly different from what fans had expected from a Predator movie.

This change of pace may disappoint diehard fans who simply wanted another adult horror with the Predator embarking on his usual killing spree.

However, casual fans or newcomers may appreciate the fact that Trachtenberg has tried to do something unexpected and new with an almost 40-year-old series.

There is a lot to enjoy here, from the excellent action setpieces, the stunning visuals and beautiful landscapes, and the hilarious chalk-and-cheese dynamic between Dek and Thia.

Dek is a grieving loner and Thia is a bubbly chatterbox strapped to his back like a rucksack, driving him nuts.

They couldn’t be more different, but they eventually learn to like and trust each other as they navigate the treacherous Genna.

Newcomer Schuster-Koloamatangi does a terrific job as Dek, which required him to learn the Yautja language – which had been designed for the film – and spend most of the shoot in a heavy costume with Fanning on his back.

While the Predator’s face is computer-generated, the actor’s facial expressions and emotions shine through thanks to motion-capture technology, allowing us to see a new side of the well-known Yautja.

But the star of the show is the delightful Fanning, who makes the film as funny, light and entertaining as it is. The feature would not succeed without her boundless energy and enthusiasm.

Predator: Badlands may not be the horror that fans had hoped for, but it is still a brilliant film that ushers in a new era for the iconic hunter.

In cinemas from Friday 7th November.

By Hannah Wales.

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