Predator: Badlands — Badasses, Unlikely Buddies, and a Baby Yoda

Title: Predator: Badlands

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Story by: Dan Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison

Producers: John Davis, Brent O’Connor, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg, Ben Rosenblatt

Starring: Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Elle Fanning

Running time: 107 minutes

Rating: Rated R

Release date: October 17, 2025

For the past few Predator outings, the results have been a mixed bag — sometimes spectacular, sometimes forgettable, but always chasing the same blend of action, violence, gore, and those gloriously cheesy one-liners that defined the original. I’ve actually enjoyed the last two entries: Prey, where Amber Midthunder stood her ground against one of the most imposing Yautja to date, delivering the story fans had been waiting for; and Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated anthology that slashed across time periods with unexpected storytelling and character work. Now comes Predator: Badlands, a film that blends mythology and monster mayhem into something surprisingly emotional and even a little funny.

A Younger Predator With Something to Prove

Our new hero…well, antihero, Dek (played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), is a young, unproven Yautja hunter — smaller, younger, and hungrier than his predecessors. His persistence and ingenuity make him a formidable opponent, even when outmatched. The film opens with Dek dueling his brother Kwei in a rite of passage meant to earn his cloaking device and the clan’s respect. The setup is strong, even if my initial screening wasn’t.

At my screening, the 3D version was mistakenly shown without glasses — a blurred mess that left me and other audience members squinting, with a few even booing. But once the IMAX cut rolled, Badlands took us for a ride. The Yautja world delivered everything we’ve come to expect from past films, tribal detail and that signature Predator horror energy.

The Darkness Before the Light

If there’s one major misstep, it’s in the early fight scenes. The battle between Dek and Kwei, meant to showcase physicality and skill, gets lost in the shadows. Literally, you can barely see the action. The CGI-heavy darkness swallows what should have been an exciting sequence, turning combat into a visual puzzle where it’s hard to tell where punches and swords are even landing.

But once the story “makes it out of the darkness” — pun intended — the film finds its rhythm again, easing into a smoother pace. Wide, sweeping shots of the planet’s terrain capture both isolation and beauty, with glowing ecosystems and looming silhouettes that carry a haunting sense of mystery.

 An Unlikely Alliance

Dek’s quest to slay a legendary beast, the Kalisk, takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged Weyland-Yutani operative stranded on the planet — yes, the same Weyland from previous Alien and Predator films. Their relationship shifts from tense confrontation to cautious camaraderie, echoing the dynamic of Enemy Mine, the ’80s Dennis Quaid cult classic about unlikely allies in a hostile world.

Fanning, pulling double duty in her roles, is both commanding and endearing. As Thia, she’s the intellectual, charming, and emotional half of the duo — a perfect counter to Dek’s stoic, untrusting instincts. With Yautja, there’s no clan or family, just the hunt, and Thia’s empathy becomes her quiet rebellion against that code.

Then there’s Thia’s sister, Tessa,  also played by Fanning, who’s tough, brutal, and all business. While Thia offers her compassion and tries to reach her as a sister, Tessa wants no part of it. She holds her own against every foe and carries that “f— around and find out” energy that makes her impossible to underestimate.

Schuster-Koloamatangi’s Dek balances that intensity with surprising tenderness beneath the warrior mask. His physicality and impressive combat skills drive the action sequences, but it’s the fleeting glances and subtle gestures that make you root for him, giving the film an emotional heartbeat amid the chaos.

Humor, Heart, and Hunt

Surprisingly, Badlands balances its intensity with a touch of humor. There’s a looseness here — a willingness to let characters breathe between battles — that reminded me of The Mandalorian’s character-driven storytelling. It also gives space for the development between Thia and Dek. Oh, and there’s a small creature that tags along with them, pure comedy that definitely gives off serious Baby Yoda vibes.

By the film’s midpoint, the tone shifts from survival horror to buddy adventure, with the occasional wink to longtime fans. Predator and Alien Easter eggs are scattered throughout, connecting this standalone tale to the larger mythos without ever feeling forced. You know what I mean by forced…think Batman movies after Michael Keaton in the late ’90s.

The editing keeps things tight, cutting just fast enough to keep you alert but never confused. The transitions between combat, comedy, and connection feel intentional, avoiding the whiplash that plagues many action sequels.

A Stronger, Smarter Predator Film

Predator: Badlands may not reinvent the franchise, but it continues to show that this horror-action universe still has room for compelling storytelling — no small feat. Sure, there are a few plot holes and some sudden bursts of familial sentiment, but they don’t overshadow the film’s main goal: entertaining the audience. I’d still rank Prey and Killer of Killers a bit higher, but Badlands is a solid entry on its own. Trachtenberg adds another memorable character to the franchise, proving he’s a strong choice for telling these stories and making these characters feel believable. That said, the Predator universe could probably use a little breathing room before diving into the next installment.

All in all, I give the film a 7/10. Its visuals, performances, and surprisingly effective humor keep viewers glued to the screen. Catch it in IMAX or 4DX and let the hunt begin again.