One of the most popular sci-fi franchises of all time, Predator, returns with another entry into the now 7-film series. Predator: Badlands follows a young Predator outcast on a mission to kill an unkillable creature to prove he is worthy of his clan. Along the way, he makes some unexpected allies to help him in his quest. After the success of Prey, Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) returns to direct with a screenplay by Patrick Aison (Prey, Wayward Pines).

For many Predator fans, hearing Trachtenberg and Aison were teaming up again after Prey certainly generated a lot of excitement. While one could argue Prey was a risky move, focusing on an Indigenous woman from the past taking on a Predator, Predator: Badlands takes an even bigger, bolder swing. Right away, there are two things that make this entry into the franchise different. The first is that the story is told entirely from the Predator’s point of view, rather than from a human’s. In fact, there are no humans in this film at all. The second difference is that, for the first time ever (not including the animated film Predator: Killer of Killers), we see the Predator’s speak extensively in their language. These changes to the typical Predator film format allow for the filmmakers to tell a coming of age tale entirely from the perspective of a young Predator, or Yautja, warrior. This Yautja, Dek, is considered small and weak. In order to prove himself, he decides to travel to a distant planet and try to kill a creature no other Yautja has ever been able to kill. On that planet, he meets a badly damaged Weyland-Yutani synthetic, of the Alien franchise, named Thia who agrees to help the young hunter on his quest.

It’s undeniable that Predator: Badlands will surely be the most polarizing entry into the Predator franchise since Alien vs. Predator. It takes a deep dive into the language and culture of the Yautja, unlike anything audiences have seen before. We know these aliens strive to hunt the most dangerous, worthy creatures from different planets to bring back as trophies, but this film explores so much more. It’s also a film that introduces all manner of different alien species, transporting the audience to a distant world unlike anything seen before. With the addition of the synthetic, Thia, there is also a healthy dose of humor throughout the film. Thia is quite different from the Weyland-Yutani synthetics we’re used to, coming across as quirky with more human emotions. For the most part, Thia’s humor and caring personality make her a welcome addition to the film. Yet there are times the writing around this character can seem a bit convenient, such as her use of a “universal translator” which allows the listener to hear what she’s saying in their own language. This makes it so the audience to hear her speak English while the Yautja hears her in his own language. Because all of these elements combined make Predator: Badlands so unique compared to the past Predator films, it is likely going to some upset fans. Yet this critic, and likely many other audience members, will love the action, creatures, comedic relief, and the wonderful expansion of the Yautja lore.

With only two primary actors at the forefront of Predator: Badlands, these performances were critical to the success of the film. Dek, the young Yautja hunter, is played by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Far North, The Panthers). Not only does Schuster-Koloamatangi deliver a fantastic physical performance in this role, but he also speaks in the made-up Yautja language throughout the film. His body language and line delivery highlights who Dek is, a proud and determined warrior who still has a lot to learn. Elle Fanning (Super 8, The Neon Demon) plays Thia. Because Thia is a synthetic, there is a mechanical uncannyness that Fanning brings to her performance. She’s certainly more human than other synthetics we’ve seen, but there’s still an inhuman aspect to her. Fanning is great and certainly brings the humor, yet she also gives a deliciously sinister performance that showcases her range. Schuster-Koloamatangi and Fanning are great together, easily conveying just how different and how similar these two characters are.

Because Predator: Badlands takes place on a distant planet, the filmmakers had a lot of room to play with the visual elements. Fans are sure to notice that, while the bodies of the Yautja appear to be practically done, the faces and mouth movements are done with CGI. This is a break with the norm for this franchise. While it is a bit off-putting at first, there’s a good reason for it. The Yautja in this film all speak, and they talk quite often. All that talking would likely be very difficult to do practically given how the Yautjas’ mouths and fangs are positioned. In fact, there’s quite a bit of CGI in this film, bringing the strange planets and creatures to life with a few real life landscapes thrown in as well. Luckily, it all looks pretty great. Especially when it comes to the design of the alien beings. They’re all imaginative, creating creatures that are as beautiful as they are deadly. Not to mention, there are some stunningly choreographed fight and action sequences to keep audiences at the edge of their seats.

Predator: Badlands is a bold, wild swing for the franchise that delivers sci-fi action alongside a fascinating expansion of Predator lore. What Trachtenberg and Aison have created won’t appeal to everyone, but for many it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The alien action pairs well with the humor, thanks to Schuster-Koloamatangi and Fanning’s performances. While the heavy use of CGI doesn’t give the film the timelessness of its predecessors, there’s a clear reason for it. Plus, the film still looks gorgeous. The filmmakers end the film in a way that could easily lead to a sequel, which I for one certainly want to see. Prepare to see a completely new side of the Yautja in Predator: Badlands, in theaters Friday, November 7th.

OVERALL RATING: 7.5/10