Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg and written by Patrick Aison, is a 2025 sci-fi action film and the ninth entry in the Predator franchise. I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Predator movie before this one. But after falling in love with Alien: Romulus back in 2023, I was eager for any excuse to jump back into that universe again, even if the connection was small. Starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, this is the first Predator film where the creature isn’t the villain, but the one we’re actually rooting for. It’s a bold twist that breathes new life into the franchise and opens the door for some really exciting stories in the future.

Our main character is Dek, a young Predator from Yautja Prime, the species’ home planet. He’s seen as an outcast within his clan because his father, Njohrr, thinks he’s too small and too young to be worthy of respect. Determined to prove everyone wrong, Dek sets out to do the impossible: hunt and kill an “unkillable” Predator from the planet Genna, a place known for being pure death. His brother Kwei is hesitant at first but decides to support him anyway. Unfortunately, things take a tragic turn early on, setting Dek on a path that will test every ounce of his strength and willpower. He doesn’t even get the chance to mourn before his ship launches and crash-lands on Genna, throwing him straight into the chaos.

The first part of the movie follows Dek as he fights to survive in a deadly world, slowly learning what it really means to hunt. Before long, we meet Thia, played by Elle Fanning, a synthetic created by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation whose entire team was wiped out by the same creature Dek is hunting. Dek, desperate to live up to his father’s expectations, wants nothing to do with Thia at first since Yautja usually hunt solo. But over time, he starts to warm up to her, even if at first he only sees her as a tool to get the job done.

Thia, on the other hand, has her own mission. She’s determined to find her android counterpart, Tessa, who she believes is still out there somewhere. What’s cool about Thia is that, despite being synthetic, she genuinely cares about Tessa, showing that she’s got a lot more heart than you’d expect. That’s what makes this movie stand out. It’s not just another mindless action flick. For a story without a single human in sight, it’s packed with emotion and surprising moments of heart.

I don’t want to get into any spoilers here, so let’s focus on some of the other standout elements of the movie. First off, the visuals are absolutely stunning. The CGI used to bring Yautja Prime and Genna to life is top tier, with every environment feeling rich, alien, and alive. The creatures Dek faces along the way are all unique, each one more terrifying and fascinating than the last. You can tell the designers really had fun imagining this world, and it pays off on screen.

The visual effects on Thia are also worth mentioning. Since she’s legless for most of the film, the CGI blends perfectly with Elle Fanning’s physical performance. It never once feels distracting or unrealistic, and honestly, it adds a sense of vulnerability and strength that fits her character perfectly.

The cinematography and soundtrack work together beautifully to bring the world of the film to life. Creative camera angles, sweeping views of alien landscapes, and a perfect balance between chaos and clarity make every frame feel immersive and carefully composed. Sarah Schachner’s score elevates every moment, adding tension to Dek’s hunt, heightening the intensity of each creature encounter, and underscoring Thia’s journey with emotional depth. Together, the visuals and music pull you fully into the story from start to finish.

All in all, Predator: Badlands is a thrilling, visually stunning adventure that manages to balance intense action with surprising heart. Dek’s journey, Thia’s mission, and the terrifying creatures of Genna all come together to create a story that is as engaging as it is exciting. The cinematography and CGI are top-notch, bringing both alien worlds and characters to life in a way that feels immersive and cinematic.

It’s no wonder the movie had the biggest opening weekend in the entire Predator franchise, raking in $80 million. If this success is any indication, hopefully director Dan Trachtenberg will get the chance to expand this universe even further, giving fans more of the action, adventure, and heart that made this movie such a standout.

Predator Badlands Review: Compassion in a Cold-Blooded Universe.

Day 29: Terrifier 2