“Go forth among the stars and seek only the strongest prey. They shall be your trophy. Become the killer of killers.” -Yautja Codex.
In 1987, we saw the starting conflict between man and predator for the first time on the silver screen. To this day, this has been the best film in the franchise and still holds the mantle after Badlands. With limited expectations for the current path of the franchise, Predator: Badlands fails in parts and excels in others. With the former having won that battle. Elle Fanning (The Great) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Far North) try their best to build emotional appeal for their characters in an underwhelming script. The focused themes of grief and family, often seen in Disney films, leave the nature of the Predator franchise behind That being fear and horror.
We start our journey with Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) on his home planet, Yautja Prime. We are introduced to his brother, Kwei, who is helping the runt of the litter learn what it means to never yield and become a true Yautja. After a terrific opening sequence, Dek is delt with a hard life lesson of what it means to be a Yautja, and is sent to claim his trophy to join the clan. We then travel to Genna, where Dek will claim his prize. After an introduction to the wildlife of Genna, Dek understands that the food chain is drastically different to the one on Yautja Prime. He finds Thia (Elle Fanning), a synthetic, who helps him on his journey after he helps her. With fights against the local animals, synthetics, and his prize, Dek builds bond with Thia and a new companion. Dek must deal with betrayal, grief, and adaptation if he is to survive. Dek fulfills his mission in an unusual fashion and returns home to claim what belongs to him, only to meet a new challenge.
The franchise takes a turn from normalcy making the Predator the antagonist, instead we build a relationship with Dek as the protagonist. Many people will show distaste with this concept, but if you watched Prey then you will see the similarities between these films. What makes this film decent is the
action sequences between Dek and his family, and the entire planet of Genna. In other Predator films, they evolve with their environments, and they keep this concept with excellence. As Dek fights, he evolves in the heat of the battle, proving victorious in most outcomes. Using Genna as his tool kit to win his prize and using his experience on this planet from hell to challenge his father.
What this movie lacks can be pinpointed in various areas. Breaking of the fourth wall during the film and losing immersion from that point on. Unnecessary comedy during serious moments that build character, or scenes that only add minutes to the movie instead of essential information. A poor storyline with certain plot holes that makes the viewer question common knowledge. Even with the creation of such a wonderful, chaotic planet, Genna, the story diminishes the role of the Predator. It pulls what many people have come to realize as classic Disney. Build what it means to be a true family and limit the horror to a minimum.
