In “Predator: Badlands,” director Dan Trachtenberg teams up a Predator with an android played by Elle Fanning to take down big baddies. This latest installment is a surprise, especially since it features a meet-cute between the unlikely duo.
The story takes place on a planet where Thia, an android researcher played by Fanning, meets Dek, a tall and fearsome Predator who’s on the hunt. Despite being injured, Dek frees Thia and together they embark on a perilous journey filled with dangers from a ruthless corporation.
This movie marks a shift for the “Predator” franchise, which began in 1987 with the original film. While it started as an action-packed, absurd tale of hypermasculine warrior cinema, Trachtenberg’s latest film adds complexity and depth to the series. With its tense pacing, distinct characters, and modulated visual style, “Prey” (the previous installment) is a more refined take on the franchise.
Trachtenberg’s direction sweetens the original formula with elements of beauty and storytelling. The result is an enjoyable yet nuanced entry in the series that explores themes of resistance and survival.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/movies/predator-badlands-review.html