I went to see Predator: Badlands in IMAX, and although it’s not in the IMAX E.A.R., it really works on the huge screen. The scale of the visuals completely draws you in, especially during the action sequences and those wide, atmospheric shots that make the world feel massive and alive. The sound mix is absolutely stunning — every roar, every gunshot, every distant rustle hits with real weight. It’s one of those sound designs that doesn’t just support the action, it throws you right into it. You can feel the tension building in every corner of the soundscape.
“Predator: Badlands” stars Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and is set in the future on a remote planet. The story follows a young Predator (Schuster-Koloamatangi) who has been outcast from his clan. He finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary. The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg and produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor.
With the film being a 12A, which I was slightly worried about, it actually manages the balance really well. There’s plenty of humour for the younger moviegoers, and the tone never feels forced or watered down. At the same time, it packs in more than enough action, tension, and grit to keep long-time Predator fans and adults entertained. The pacing is tight, and the set pieces are genuinely thrilling. It’s got that practical edge that feels true to the original films.
What really stood out for me, though, was how different this one feels compared to the other Predator movies. It takes its time to build atmosphere and character, and it’s great to see another side of the Yautja. I loved that they kept the Yautja language intact and gave us subtitles — it adds a layer of authenticity and respect to the lore that long-time fans will appreciate. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in grounding the story in its universe.
The cast deserves a huge shoutout as well. The key performances are spot-on — they bring genuine emotion and chemistry to roles that could’ve easily been flat archetypes. Elle Fanning is superb as both Thia and Tessa, bringing uniqueness to each character. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi delivers the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability as Dek. This movie is very much the story of Thia and Dek, which works brilliantly.
And I have to mention the soundtrack from Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch — it’s absolutely amazing. The score perfectly blends classic Predator motifs with a fresh, modern edge. It’s atmospheric when it needs to be and explosive when the action kicks in. It really ties everything together.
Dan Trachtenberg has delivered another excellent movie in the Predator franchise following “Prey” and “Killer of Killers.” His love for the franchise is evident throughout the film. Notably, we get a complete language for the Yautja, as the character Dek speaks only in Yautja with subtitles, which I found to be a brilliant touch from the very start of “Predator: Badlands.”
If you’re a fan of the Predator franchise, this movie is absolutely worth seeing on the biggest screen you can find.