The “Predator” franchise is back with its seventh installment. Our JP gives his take on “Predator: Badlands,” starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi.
Predator: Badlands
(20th Century Studios)
- Directed by Dan Trachtenberg
- Screenplay by Patrick Aison
- Story by Dan Trachtenberg, Patrick Aison
- Based on Characters by Jim Thomas, John Thomas
- Produced by John Davis, Brent O’Connor, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg, Ben Rosenblatt
- Starring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi
Studio Synopsis:
Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, “Predator: Badlands” follows Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, who finds an unlikely ally in Thia and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.
J.P.’s Take:
38 years and running, the “Predator” franchise is back with its seventh installment, showcasing its enduring appeal and ability to enthrall audiences once more.
The 1987 action / sci-fi / thriller, “Predator,” starring action legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, became an ‘80s phenomenon and pop culture classic. It was the predicate to the sequels and all other sci-fi/action flicks like it at the time. Many of which, in their own rights, were box-office juggernauts, all of which boasted themes of ultra-masculinity, the ravages of war, and the primal instincts of both man and beast. Although “Predator: Badlands” pumps out that same kind of energy, its pairing of characters and slight Disneyfication set itself apart from the franchise in a way you don’t expect.
In “Badlands,” the hunter becomes the hunted when Dek, a young Yuantja warrior (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), breaks family tradition and goes on the run. At this point, we’re presented with a sequel that thrusts us 200 years into the future, much the same way “Alien Resurrection” did, where the long-reaching influence of the Weyland-Yutani corporation still reigns supreme over the galaxy.
Within this universe, we follow the Yautja siblings on their home planet, Yautja Prime. Brother Dek and his brother Kwei (Mike Homik) are locked in a battle for their father’s acceptance. The catch is whoever survives proves to be the strongest, and therefore the weakest is executed. Sheesh, with a family like that, who needs enemies?
For the first time in franchise history, we’re given far more insight as to this alien species’ way of life. They are also a tribe with a rich history rooted in warrior upbringing and age-old traditions. That’s on display here, as Dek escapes his father’s tyranny, and he yearns to prove his worth. Witnessing his father, Njohrr (physical appearance by Rueben De Jong, voice by Koloamatangi), brutally execute his brother Kwei for failing to kill Dek due to perceived weakness, Dek makes a fierce vow to return with a trophy that will prove his loyalty and strength.
Writer / director Dan Trachtenberg is known for creating suspenseful, yet action-driven atmospherics, paired with character-driven chronicles; this is where “Predator: Badlands” thrives. Dek’s personality drives this outing with fire and verve that have us viewers sitting up and paying close attention. It becomes a Batman and Robin-ish adventure once Dek reaches the beautiful yet harsh planet of Genna. There, he unwillingly teams up with a damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic human named Thia (Elle Fanning), who was trapped there after her crew of other synths was destroyed by a creature called a Kalisk.
Their interactions become somewhat hokey in the beginning, up until the second half, when faced with a common enemy, Thia’s twin sister Tessa (also played by Fanning) and her army of synths, which allows them to ally against them. Along the way, they’re joined by a weirdly cute creature, Thia names Bud (voiced by Rohinal Nayaran), as Bud proves to be a worthy sidekick in an odd way.
By the time the second half comes around, we’ve already invested enough emotion / attention in our protagonists, and we’re ready for a joint effort, as they take down Tessa and her troops. But before that, we witness Dek’s test of strength and courage as he and Thia are pitted against the strident environment of planet Genna. These moments are where some of the wildest and hair-raising action sequences take center stage. Dek battles his way through a sentient forest filled with beasts made of vegetation, razor-blade-like grass, and plant life that act as booby traps, which react to his every move, shooting sharp barbs from their pods. And they are poisonous. Yet, this doesn’t faze Dek, and thanks to Thia’s foreknowledge of the planet altogether, they battle their way through every step of the way.
When they’ve run the gauntlet of killer plants and strange creatures, they finally come to the boss level, where Dek learns of the real reason Weyland-Yutani has come to the planet of Genna. Tessa enters the picture, and we’re treated to more crazy action sequences, especially those involving Thia’s missing legs that autonomously do some fighting of their own. It’s both hilarious and exciting to say the least.
I must give credit to Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi for his efforts in conveying genuine emotions through his multi-fanged face and reptilian skin. It has to be one of the toughest acting jobs to do, without feeling stiff and inauthentic.
Elle Fanning as Thia was quirky, enlightening, and a true companion to Dek, and as Tessa, she was cold as ice and quick as lightning. She did such a solid job of separating the personalities with ease.
“Predator: Badlands” explores, with hubris, the weaponization of technology and the stifling effects of excessive pride, while presenting an aura of unity and a sense of belonging. Not just that but being able to adapt to new surroundings and questioning our programming by an abusive / toxic society. I was surprised by how much more could be extracted from this franchise, yet this shift in ideals has become its new narrative.
I appreciated “Predator: Badlands” for breaking away from the usual formula.
Official Site: Predator: Badlands
