Exploring Subtext in Predator: Badlands
What Does the Predator Mean Today?
With the Predator franchise extending over six films and two Alien crossovers, a question arises: what does the concept of the predator represent in today’s context? Nearly 40 years ago, the original film masterfully commented on the Vietnam War, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and his elite team facing off against a terrifying alien invader in the jungles of Central America. The identity of the predators was secondary; they represented a visceral nightmare, awakening fears and challenges faced by the U.S.
The Evolution of the Predator
In many ways, the predator aligns with the xenomorph from Alien—a creature of primal intent, instilling dread and mystery. However, as both franchises expanded, the predator has lost some of its enigmatic allure. While Alien has managed to retain its gravitas (even after Ridley Scott’s ambitious origins tale in Prometheus), the predator’s lore has shifted. The introduction of the Yautja, complete with their unique culture and language, has diluted the primal terror that originally defined them.
The Narrative of Predator: Badlands
Predator: Badlands opens with a title card declaring that the Yautja "are prey to none and friend to none." This sets the stage for a clash between brothers Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) and Kwei (Mike Homik). Dek, seen as the weak link, faces harsh truths when their father demands Kwei to end his life. However, Kwei’s act of defiance leads to Dek’s survival but sends him on a journey to Genna, dubbed "The Death Planet," with their father’s stern words echoing in his mind: "Choose your prey, bring it home—or never return."
Unlikely Allies on Genna
Upon arriving on Genna, Dek encounters Thia (Elle Fanning), a Weyland-Yutani android missing both legs and her sister, Tessa (also played by Elle Fanning). Thia exhibits a lively personality, using humor to cope with her challenging circumstances. Equipped with advanced capabilities, she speaks fluent Yautja to Dek, who is determined to hunt down the Kalisk, known as an "unkillable" creature. The duo forms a unique partnership, as Thia seeks to recover her lost limbs while revealing a sinister plot aimed at capturing extraterrestrial wildlife, a familiar theme within the Alien universe.
A Fresh Dynamic
While Predator: Badlands may not break new ground, the chemistry between Schuster-Koloamatangi and Fanning brings a refreshing element to the film. Schuster-Koloamatangi gives life to Dek beyond the typical alien warrior stereotype, while Fanning’s quirky portrayal fits seamlessly in the sci-fi landscape, despite the script’s occasional cheesiness.
Atmosphere vs. Action
What feels notably absent from the film is a palpable sense of danger. It tends to lean towards a buddy-comedy vibe, with an emphasis on emotional healing rather than high-stakes tension. Dek and Thia bond over their status as outsiders, exploring themes of belonging. However, questions linger: Can androids be sisters? How predatory can a creature be if it starts forming friendships?
A Return to World-Building
Returning director Dan Trachtenberg demonstrates a strong command of world-building in Predator: Badlands, yet the action sequences often fall flat. The once-fearsome predator now seems almost silly, reminiscent of an odd mix of Succession vibes with John Travolta’s character from Battlefield Earth. Such a tonal shift could spell trouble for future installments.
Film Details
- Title: Predator: Badlands
- Director: Dan Trachtenberg
- Screenwriters: Patrick Aison, Brian Duffield
- Cast: Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Elle Fanning
- Distributor: 20th Century Studios
- Running Time: 1 hr 47 mins
Predator: Badlands ultimately invites viewers to ponder the essence of the predator mythos while delivering a quirky buddy tale set in a rich, albeit sometimes disjointed, universe.