Naomi Lawrence November 9, 2025 Predator: Badlands is the kind of sci-fi adventure we’ve been missing. It’s unapologetically cheesy, fast-paced, and full of heart, the kind of film that reminds you why the genre used to be fun. Set in the future on the remote planet of Genna, the story follows a young Predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), outcast from his clan, who forms an unlikely bond with Thia (Elle Fanning). Together they journey across the ‘Badlands’ in search of the ultimate adversary. The plot is simple, but simplicity works here. Director Dan Trachtenberg keeps the focus on the journey, the emotion, and the spectacle, creating something that feels both old-school and refreshingly alive. The world-building is excellent. You can see and feel everything from the rough textures of alien terrain to the grit of battle. The blend of motion capture and practical effects is impressive, allowing the characters to express real emotion through layers of armor and CGI. It’s immersive in a way that many modern sci-fi films aren’t. Nothing feels cheap or excessive; everything ties back to the story. The pacing benefits from this, keeping the film grounded even when it’s at its most explosive. Elle Fanning delivers a standout performance in a dual role that couldn’t be more different, balancing fierce physicality with a deep emotional core. She’s endlessly watchable, giving the film a pulse beyond the spectacle. Schuster-Koloamatangi also impresses, bringing surprising empathy and inner conflict to his Predator — a character type usually defined by silence and brutality. Together they build a connection that gives the film unexpected weight. The action sequences are sharp, creative, and full of energy. A leg-fighting sequence and a sweeping exploration montage stand out, while the final battle is both thrilling and strangely poignant. The entire film has the kind of rhythm that would make it a perfect video game: you can almost feel yourself moving through its environments, dodging creatures, and unlocking new terrains. Tonally, it strikes a smart balance between gritty and heartfelt. The found-family dynamic, the predator-becomes-prey motif, and the buddy comedy moments all play out with sincerity rather than irony. It nods to 80s sci-fi classics without trying to copy them, and it never leans too hard into nostalgia. Like Prey, Trachtenberg revisits the franchise’s core themes of strength, survival, and what it means to hunt, but he does so in ways that feel fresh. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Predator: Badlands succeeds because it doesn’t need to. It’s lean, fast, and full of purpose, made with genuine affection for the genre. There’s adventure as much as there is action, emotion as much as there is spectacle, and that balance keeps you hooked. Predictable at times but endlessly entertaining, it’s a worthy addition to the Predator series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just someone craving a good old sci-fi romp, Badlands delivers. You May Also Like Source: https://cityhub.com.au/predator-badlands/