The Predator franchise has traditionally always focused on the underdogs of the Hunt, Humans. The basic premise of the setting involves the 'Yautja' race, the titular 'Predators'; an Alien species built around a society and culture of hunting the greatest prey in the galaxy.
The Predator films usually follow our underdogs in these hunts, whether they be heavily armed commandos in the South American jungle from the original Predator (1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger), or Comanche Warriors in the plains of pre-colonized America in the second-most recent live-action release; Prey (2022, starring Amber Midthunder).
But Badlands takes the franchise in a new direction, in a way I think audiences will relish. Finally, in a dedicated Predator film, we follow our titular character in his hunt.
The story follows Dek, a young-blood Predator and the 'runt' of his clan, on his mission to claim the trophy of a seemingly undefeatable monster. Dek is portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, clad in an amazing practical effects suit, with motion capture used to enhance facial expression and help give depth to Dek's mannerisms, behaviour and characteristics.
...much more depth than has previously been allowed in the franchise's film releases.
Schuster-Koloamatangi's performance extends to learning the fictional language of the 'Yautja', a gutteral and distinctly alien lexicon translated to the viewers through subtitles for the whole film, letting viewers feel more immersed in the story, and giving 'Yautja' culture much more depth than has previously been allowed in the franchise's film releases.
Starring alongside is Ellie Fanning, portraying a dual-role of Thia and Tessa; synthetic androids of the 'Weyland-Yutani Corporation' (a lovely reminder of the shared universe between the Alien and Predator franchises), and Fanning does well in both portrayals.
Her performance as a chatty foil to a tight lipped Dek may be a bit of an overused trope in films; but nonetheless works well in Badlands. I should mention now, that despite the presence of Weyland-Yutani, I must emphasise that this is not an Alien series film. This flick is purely on the Predator series, no sudden cameos from 'Xenomorphs' (although I'd love to see an Alien vs Predator flick by Trachtenberg soon).
Together, Dek and Thia give us an entertaining duo to follow in a fantastic setting, with fantastic visual effects courtesy of Wētā FX and more. Everything in the film felt like it belonged, like it fit with the setting and the scene. There wasn't a single scene where I felt disjointed by VFX, or that I had a little bit of a disconnect with the world.
I think there were weaker scenes in the plot of the film, but these are overshadowed by the rest of the film's positives. Choosing to centre the story around the 'Predator' has been something fans have been seeking for a very long time. I think there naturally come issues with the first instance of the series to have it's titular monster as the main protagonist for the first time on the big screen, but such issues are relatively moot in the grander scheme of things.
...opens up the franchise to newer fans, keeping it accessible for the next generation.
Notably, the film is the lowest age rating in the franchise's history, at only 12A. It's understandable, a lack of humans makes the copious violence against aliens and androids more of an action spectacle, and more palatable for censors and younger audiences. But the 12A rating I think opens up the franchise to newer fans, keeping it accessible for the next generation. Even if they're not inclined for the blood and gore of the broader franchise, the film itself is generally just a fantastic action flick.
I think Trachtenberg has shown his capability with the Predator series, and I look forwards to where he takes the franchise next. I'd personally love to see this action format combined with the prior gore and viscera of the series, doubly so under the auspice of the Aliens vs Predator crossover franchise. But, wherever he takes us, whether an action-adventure flick or a return to classic, tense horror, I think he'll live up to audience expectation.
As for Badlands, if you're on the hunt for a good action flick, this film is most certainly worthy. It's perhaps not the tense hunt many are familiar with the series for, but otherwise provides an exciting experience worthy of the Predator mantle, and treats the audience with brutally awesome sci-fi action.