‘Predator Badlands’ Movie Review (2025): The American sci-fi action film “Predator: Badlands” was finally released in theatres on November 7, 2025. The movie, which was directed by Dan Trachtenberg, will be remembered as a good attempt that tried to revive the classic Predator franchise with a bold new storyline and a visually immersive experience. The film, which had Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as the lead stars, tries to combine high-concept science fiction with emotional undertones of redemption and courage. There are a lot of things that need to be discussed about Predator: Badlands, and that’s what we will do in the Predator Badlands movie review.
- Release Date: 7th November, 2025
- Director: Dan Trachtenberg
- Story: Dan Trachtenberg & Patrick Aison
- Stars: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, and others
- Runtime: 107 minutes
- Rating: 2.5/5
Predator: Badlands Story
The movie follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi). Dek is a Yautja warrior who is dismissed by his father, Njhorr, for being weak. Dek is ordered to be killed by his own brother, Kwei. But Dek is instead spared and sent to Genna, which is a hostile “Death Planet”. His mission is simple: he wants to slay the powerful adversary Kalisk and bring back his head to reclaim his honor.
On Genna, Dek meets Thia (Elle Fanning). This is a broken humanoid robot whose legs were torn apart due to the previous battle with Kalisk. The two form an unlikely alliance. Dek was helping Thia find her missing limbs while she guided him through the planet’s terrain. Their journey is very unique and interesting, and it presents us with the right blend of survival, friendship, and self-discovery amid haunting visuals and dark humor.
Direction and Screenplay
Dan Trachtenberg, who is famously known for Prey and 10 Cloverfield Lane, has yet again delivered a cinematic spectacle that feels gritty and imaginative. The story is co-written with Patrick Aison, and it dares to step outside the typical Predator formula. The initial setup is strong, and the visual storytelling is commendable. However, the screenplay could have been better, as it falters midway due to uneven pacing and heavy reliance on subtitles. Moreover, Predator: Badlands has 40% of the dialogue in the Yautja language, and that doesn’t go in favour of the movie.
The absence of English dialogue for the first 20 minutes can test audience patience, and this will go against those who are unfamiliar with the franchise’s lore.
Predator: Badlands Performances
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi worked very well, as he impressed in a demanding role. He effortlessly fulfilled the role of a character that demanded physical strength and linguistic commitment. He learnt the Predator tongue for authenticity. His portrayal of Dek will be remembered for a long time. Elle Fanning steals the spotlight. She was excellent in the role of Thia. This is displayed as both emotionally charged and technically nuanced, which enhances the movie.
Technical Brilliance
Visually, Predator: Badlands is breathtaking. Jeff Cutter’s cinematography works very well as he captures the vast, eerie landscapes of Genna with precision. The production design by Ra Vincent and costumes by Ngila Dickson look very premium, and they brought that much-needed authenticity and uniqueness to the alien world. The VFX is top-tier, as it maintains global standards and blends practical effects with digital artistry. The music is composed by Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch, and it adds extra depth to the action sequences.
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Verdict
All in all, Predator: Badlands has a very impressive premise, striking visuals, and Elle Fanning’s standout performance. Unfortunately, due to its uneven screenplay and subtitle-heavy dialogue, this film is a very average film. The limited popularity of the Predator franchise in India will restrict its box-office reach.
Predator: Badlands is strictly for die-hard fans of the series and sci-fi enthusiasts, as it offers a visually thrilling and very flawed experience. However, we feel that Predator: Badlands might not suit casual viewers due to its alien-language narrative and slow buildup.
Watch Predator: Badlands Trailer
Note
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