Few, if any, reboots have been as successfully realised as Dan Trachtenberg’s Predator: Badlands. It is filled with amazing imagery amid a strong storyline and even sticks the landing with a finish that is emotionally satisfying. The imagination at play is particularly relevant with the creation of a planet that is rife with a real sense of peril to the main protagonists.
Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) is a young predator who leaves his planet, Yautja Prime, to travel to the planet Genna to hunt the Kalisk. His departure is emotionally charged after his brother Kwei is killed by his father Nihorr for disobeying his father’s orders. The Kalisk is supposed to be unkillable, so Dek has his work cut out for him.
During his travels, he comes in contact with Thia (Elle Fanning), a synthetic sent to the planet by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. The same company known in the Alien world. The planet Genna is filled with real risk as both flora and fauna are deadly and ultra-aggressive in ending the lives of any creature brave enough to land on there. It makes Dek’s journey all the more dangerous.
The film’s great strength is the seamless integration of all its components. Dek stays true to the Yautja Clan’s code of battle and honour, but there are traces of humanity that creep in and give the audience a chance to sympathise with him and not see his behaviour as one-dimensional. Trachtenberg shows a true love of the Predator world, and his tasteful approach bodes well for future releases.
Rob Hudson
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