predator: Badlands Reimagines the Franchise with a Surprisingly Empathetic Protagonist
The latest installment in the predator saga, Badlands, boldly ventures into uncharted territory, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic alien hunters. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg – his third foray into the Predator universe following Prey and Predator: Killer of Killers – the film sets out to be diffrent,and according to early reviews,largely succeeds in that ambition. But does this deviation from established tropes translate into a compelling cinematic experience?
Badlands fundamentally alters the franchise’s dynamic by centering the narrative on a Yautja, or “yow-cha,” as the protagonist. The story follows Dek (stunt performer Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a diminutive member of his clan ostracized by his father due to his perceived weakness. Crash-landing on Genna, a hostile planet where even the vegetation poses a threat, Dek embarks on a perilous quest to prove his worth by defeating the planet’s most formidable creature.
His journey is complicated by the presence of Thia (Niamh Moynihan), a human scavenger who becomes his unlikely companion. The film boasts impressive visual effects work from Studio Gillis and Wētā Workshop. While some creature designs, notably a character nicknamed “Bud,” have received minor criticism, the overall visuals are considered strong.
Adding another layer of complexity, the filmmakers have developed a language for the Yautja, necessitating the use of subtitles for much of the dialogue. Thia, equipped with a universal language module, communicates in English, while Dek understands her in his native tongue, creating a unique dynamic. This interplay results in a “buddy-cop vibe” that injects humor into the narrative, a tonal shift from previous Predator films. While the humor may not appeal to all viewers, it offers a refreshing contrast.
Despite a PG-13 rating, Badlands doesn’t shy away from action. the lack of human characters means no visible red blood, but the film still delivers “plenty of severed limbs and arterial spray,” albeit in shades of green, white, and orange. Like Prey, the action sequences are described as kinetic and creative, showcasing Dek’s resourcefulness despite his disadvantages, including the absence of a traditional helmet.
Filmed on location in New Zealand, Genna is depicted as a richly detailed and risky planet, evoking the ecosystem of Pandora from Avatar without being a direct imitation. While the pacing falters slightly in the second act, the film’s broader scope represents a significant step up for Trachtenberg.
The decision to tell the story from a Predator’s perspective fundamentally alters the Predator experience. It’s less an action/horror film and more a sci-fi adventure that offers a glimpse into Yautja culture. “It is a little weird to feel empathy for a creature we’ve rooted for as the villain for decades now,” one reviewer commented, acknowledging the film’s unconventional approach.Comparisons have been drawn to Star Wars, specifically the Mandalorian, with Dek embodying a stoic warrior accompanied by a cheerful companion. The film also echoes elements of Lone Wolf and Cub and the 2018 God of War, with Dek mirroring Kratos and Thia functioning as Mimir.
While badlands may not be entirely original in its narrative structure, it achieves something unexpected: it fosters a connection with one of cinema’s most iconic monsters. “Predator: Badlands may not be as original as it claimed to be, but it also did something I wasn’t expecting: it made me care about one of cinema’s most iconic monsters,” a source stated. The film’s ending teases future installments centered around Dek, and the positive reception suggests a strong audience appetite for further exploration of his world and culture. Predator: Badlands is ultimately a solid, fun time that recontextualizes the franchise for a new generation.
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