Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, is the latest entry in the long-running Predator franchise, and it delivers a fresh, bold, and emotionally charged take that reinvigorates the series for both new viewers and longtime fans Predator Badlands Review. After reinvigorating the franchise with Prey in 2022, Trachtenberg continues to expand the Predator universe with Badlands, a movie that takes the narrative in an unexpected direction by focusing primarily on the Predator itself—the alien Yautja—as the main character.
The film follows Dek, a young Yautja warrior who has been banished from his clan and crash-lands on a hostile alien planet. Dek is determined to prove himself by hunting down Kalisk, an alpha predator considered the unkillable ruler of the planet’s dangerous Badlands. Along the way, Dek forms an uneasy alliance with Thia, a fractured synthetic android created by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, played with charm and emotional depth by Elle Fanning. Their relationship evolves into a unique sci-fi buddy adventure that blends intense action with moments of tenderness and humor.
‘PREDATOR: BADLANDS’ debuts with 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, the third highest rated Predator movie ever.
Read our review: https://t.co/6YKH6jmkwF pic.twitter.com/cXAtLh378y— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 4, 2025
One of the standout aspects of Predator: Badlands is its intense pacing—the movie bursts into action from the beginning and remains relentless, with only brief respites that allow for character development and world-building. Trachtenberg’s deep knowledge of the Yautja culture shines through, from their tribal rituals and hierarchies to their brutal warrior ethos. This enriched mythology gives the film a fresh texture that elevates it above typical monster fare.
Predator Badlands Review:
PLEASE let Trachtenberg do whatever the hell he wants with this franchise. Predator Badlands is very different in tone from the first, but it's the first time the Predator is the protagonist/main character (aside from the AVP movies). But he's still got… pic.twitter.com/5G9CREDIH8— Lee McCoy (@Drumdums) November 5, 2025
The practical effects and CGI are seamlessly integrated, creating a vivid, dangerous, and immersive alien world. Dek’s journey is not just about physical survival but also about emotional growth, questioning his role as a solitary hunter and learning the value of companionship and trust. The film’s thoughtful screenplay by Patrick Aison and Brian Duffield balances the franchise’s trademark violence with surprising warmth and character complexity.
Predator: Badlands also benefits greatly from Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi’s compelling physical portrayal of Dek, who brings a humanized touch to the stoic alien warrior. The choice to have Dek communicate entirely in the Yautja language adds authenticity and mystique, contrasting with Thia’s English dialogue and highlighting their cultural divide.
Critics have praised Badlands for its innovative approach, describing it as a thrilling blend of mythology, action, and heartfelt storytelling that breathes new life into a decades-old franchise. While it might stray from the expected human-centered narrative, this focus on alien perspective offers an exciting and fresh cinematic experience. The soundtrack, composed by Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch, further enhances the atmosphere, blending tribal chanting and suspenseful scores to elevate the storytelling.
In conclusion, Predator: Badlands is an ambitious and successful reinvention that respects the legacy of the Predator series while pushing its boundaries. Action enthusiasts, sci-fi fans, and even newcomers will find much to admire in this film’s imaginative world, strong performances, and mix of ferocity and empathy. It’s arguably one of the best Predator films to date and sets the stage for a promising future for the franchise.