The Predator franchise has always thrived on reinvention. From jungles to cities, the iconic alien hunter has stalked prey in diverse terrains. Now, with Predator: Badlands, director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey) returns, proving he knows how to keep the series fresh. Set in the sun-scorched American Southwest, this adrenaline-fueled chase stands among the franchise’s best.
A Fresh Setting, Familiar Terrors
Badlands follows Maya (Anya Patel), a drifter surviving in a dystopian near-future where water is scarce. When her outpost is attacked by an unseen force, she realizes she’s being hunted by something far deadlier than bandits. The Predator’s gruesome debut sets the tone—brutal, inventive kills that will thrill fans.
Trachtenberg’s desert setting is a masterstroke. The barren landscapes, abandoned towns, and labyrinthine canyons amplify the tension. Cinematographer Jeff Cutter (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) uses natural light brilliantly, especially in night scenes lit by moonlight and the Predator’s eerie thermal vision.
Maya: A Worthy Successor to Naru
After Prey’s Naru, Maya had big shoes to fill—and Anya Patel delivers. Her Maya is resourceful, using her wits and a makeshift bow to outmaneuver the Predator. Unlike past heroes, she’s no soldier—just a survivor with a dark past. This moral ambiguity adds depth, blurring the line between hunter and prey.
The Predator: A Perfect Killing Machine
This Predator is classic yet updated—hulking, tactical, and terrifying. The kills are creative (a solar-powered trap is a standout), and the pacing is relentless. No filler here—just a tight, escalating cat-and-mouse game.
Verdict: A Franchise High Point
Predator: Badlands proves the series still has life. Trachtenberg balances homage and innovation, delivering a gripping survival story with a standout protagonist and a terrifying Predator. Don’t miss it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
