Predator: Badlands
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
To say that the Predator franchise has evolved since the original 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger would be an understatement of monstrous proportions. Granted, much of this series has wallowed in the mire of science-fiction non-verbal violence until director Dan Trachtenberg's Prey (2022). This chapter began a new line of storytelling that gave the Predator an unexpected depth and promise for the future, and that time is now.
On his home planet, Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) is a young Yautja being vetted by his older brother, Kwei (Mike Homik), despite being the runt of the clan. Their father wants the younger hunter culled, but a series of events leads the family into exile on the planet Genna to hunt the galaxy's deadliest creature. He quickly discovers that the whole planet wants to kill him. Still, an unexpected android ally, Thia (Elle Fanning), helps him survive. As they band together, nothing is as it seems as they try to achieve different goals through their unlikely alliance.
The pleasant surprise of this chapter of Predator was how Dan Trachtenberg introduced layers to his lead character, including twists that kept the audience guessing until the end. Then, to add an unsuspecting guide and ally like Elle Fanning's role, this quest became more than a mere battle of wits between a hunter and its prey. It should go without saying that there is anticipated violence throughout the storyline involving these ferocious creatures. Yet, there is a surprising development of community, family and heart that adds something special to this new vein of storytelling.
Don't be fooled by the rating system that makes this one of the most accessible films in the series. The brutality and outright assault on the senses stay true to all that fans have come to expect from these hunters from across the galaxy. Still, unlike most of its predecessors, Predator: Badlands travels into unknown territory for these brutal science-fiction adventures. As the twists in this story unfold, viewers will begin to care for this young Yautja and his entourage as they open the door to new possibilities for this creature's future. Keep an eye out for the references to another legendary franchise along the way that may bode well for possible crossovers that will have devotees hunting for more.
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Reel Dialogue: The value of community
No one would have suspected that the Predator franchise would spark a discussion about the need for community, but it is hard to miss. Director Dan Trachtenberg quickly shows how something simple —like the need to prove oneself —can bring a group together and how relationships form beyond this common element. This leads the narrative to depict how community survival comes when people are willing to come together and move forward in unity.
It is reminiscent of the words from Ecclesiastes, which state that two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: If either falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.' (Chapter 4:4-12)
These wise words from Solomon add another layer of importance to this unsuspecting tale of a Yautja hunter and his need for others. Also, outside this violent quest, suppose one continues reading in this book of the Bible.
