In the thrilling sci-fi action film 'Predator: Badlands', the story centers around an alien hunter who has been cast out from its clan, a fate that leaves it isolated and vulnerable. This alien, a formidable creature known for its unparalleled hunting skills, finds itself in a world where it must navigate the treacherous landscapes of both the earth and its very own psyche. As it wrestles with the weight of its rejection, the hunter embarks on a perilous journey, determined to reclaim its honor and prove its worth to the clan. This quest sets the stage for an intense narrative filled with danger, intrigue, and personal transformation.
In a twist of fate, the alien hunter forms an unlikely alliance with a human, who is equally marginalized and searching for their place in a world defined by violence and hostility. This human character brings a unique perspective to the partnership, showcasing resilience and determination despite the odds stacked against them. Together, they traverse hostile terrains, combat formidable foes, and face the lurking shadows of their pasts. Their bond deepens as they encounter various adversaries, leading to a mutual understanding that transcends their differences and challenges their preconceived notions of what it means to be a hunter.
As the duo progresses on their journey, they become embroiled in a battle against what they deem the ultimate adversary, a rival that tests their strength and fortitude to the limit. The struggle against this fierce opponent is not only a fight for survival but also a test of their loyalty and the lessons they learn from one another. 'Predator: Badlands' captures the essence of conflict, resilience, and unlikely friendships, as the alien and its ally discover that true strength lies not only in hunting prowess but also in courage, acceptance, and the bonds formed through shared trials.
Critics' Reviews
80
Not only that, but the Predator speaks entirely in a grunted alien tongue, helpfully translated via subtitles. But here, somehow, it works — and gangbusters. A prologue introduces us to young Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), who may be eight feet tall and bristling with futuristic weaponry, but is considered a shrimp by his burly dick of a dad. Dek is quickly dispatched to an even more death-happy world, where — to borrow a line from Avatar — every living thing that crawls, flies or squats in the mud wants to kill him and eat his eyes for jujubes. Cue the start of a thoroughly entertaining adventure, which feels like a particularly pulpy sci-fi novel from the ’60s brought to life and beamed into your eyeballs.
100
There are two moments back-to-back in the last 20 minutes of Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands that wouldn’t work as well as they do if the rest of the film hadn’t already proven itself so earnest and open-hearted. They’re bellwethers, if you will; canaries in the coal mine. If you’re a basketball fan, you’d call them “heat checks”–the shots a scorer on a heater might take that would be ill-advised at any other point in the game, but because that basket looks like the ocean… The first involves an ally giving a goofy wave when she notices she’s being watched; the second is a celebratory “high-five” between a hand and a foot. Detached from the film, they are perilously close to dad-joke territory. In the context of a movie about families constructed of outcasts, outsiders, and orphans, these gags land with the heft of cathedral bells. They’re the peck on the cheek Leia gives Luke before they swing over the abyss in Star Wars, or Chewbacca scaring the shit out of a little mouse droid on the Death Star. If you like these characters, like them to the point of investing in them, this is the stuff you not only get away with, but which elevates your piece from conventional to sublime. More importantly, it makes this shit fun.
Full Cast of Predator: Badlands
Elle Fanning
Thia / Tessa
In the movie "Predator: Badlands," Elle Fanning delivers a compelling performance as Thia, a character who brings depth and humanity to a high-stakes action narrative. As Thia, Fanning showcases her versatility as an actress, embodying a resilient and determined young woman thrust into a brutal alien conflict. Her portrayal of Thia's transformation from a vulnerable civilian to a formidable survivor is both convincing and emotionally resonant. Fanning's ability to convey a mix of fear, intelligence, and tenacity adds layers to the character, providing the audience with a relatable touchstone amidst the film's intense action sequences. Her interactions with the iconic Predator antagonist, as well as with her fellow cast members, highlight her character's resourcefulness and innate leadership qualities. Elle Fanning's nuanced performance as Thia in "Predator: Badlands" not only cements her place as a talented performer but also elevates the film by offering a strong, female-driven narrative within the sci-fi action genre.
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi
Dek
Matt Duffer
Kwei's Ship Computer (voice)
Reuben De Jong
Father (Suit)
Ross Duffer
Kwei's Ship Computer (voice)
Michael Homick
Kwei (Suit)
Crew of Predator: Badlands
Full backstage crew list →
