Predator: Badlands: A Fun Sci-Fi Action Flick That Could’ve Gone Harder

Dan Trachtenberg continues to prove he understands the Predator universe. Predator: Badlands starts off with an absolute bang—the first fifteen minutes are a rush of adrenaline, immediately dropping you into intense action. The score is powerful and commanding, the effects are top-notch, and the world-building is among the most immersive we’ve seen in this franchise. It’s a stunning display of sci-fi filmmaking that feels both modern and faithful to the series’ roots.

Dimitrius Koloamatangi absolutely crushes it as Dek. His performance gives the movie its emotional center, and his dynamic with Thia, played by Elle Fanning, adds a surprising layer of warmth to the story. Their journey across the brutal, alien landscape is engaging and fun to watch. However, this is where the film begins to lose some of its edge. Once Thia is introduced, the tone shifts noticeably. What began as a hardcore, gritty Predator movie slowly turns into something closer to an Alien adventure—one that feels softer and more family-friendly than it should.

The biggest missed opportunity is that Badlands doesn’t fully commit to the Predator’s deadly quest on this dangerous planet. The setup promises something darker and more primal, but the film pulls back just when it should go all in.

Even so, Predator: Badlands remains a fun, well-crafted sci-fi action flick that continues to expand the universe in interesting ways. It’s visually spectacular, well-acted, and full of thrilling sequences—it just could have hit harder.