Spoiler warning: This review contains light plot details from Predator: Badlands. If you want to go in blind, bookmark this for later, but if you’re curious about why this PG-13 entry might just be the most emotionally layered Predator film yet, read on.

If you grew up watching the Predator franchise, you probably expect blood, brawn, and a whole lot of hunting. The film even makes that clear in the first few seconds of the film by establishing that the Yautja is a friend to none, prey to none, but predator to all! However, the twist comes mid-way of the story. Predator: Badlands—now showing at SM Cinemas and best experienced in IMAX—takes a sharp left turn and gives us something we didn’t see coming: Depth, vulnerability, and FEELINGS (and maybe a bit of comedic punches).

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Badlands introduces us to Dek, a lone Yautja who’s not here to hunt humans (because, plot twist: there aren’t any). Instead, he’s “forced” to an alliance with Thia, a Weyland-Yutani synth voiced by Elle Fanning, and together they navigate a hostile planet filled with strange creatures, shifting alliances, and a lot of learning about the real definition of brother/sister/child in between. What starts as a survival story slowly unfolds into a slow-burn reflection on identity, trust, and the meaning of connection. Yes, even for a species known for ripping spines out of bodies.

What makes this entry stand out is how it leans into emotional storytelling, which, admittedly, isn’t for everyone. For the first time in franchise history, we see a Predator with depth — someone who’s not just chasing trophies but grappling with purpose, survival, and connection. It’s a bold move, especially since the Yautja usually play the role of ruthless killing machines. While it did make me uncomfortable empathizing with a vengeance-driven main character, what Dek has gone through in the first part of the film will make you feel things somehow. Dek isn’t just a predator. He’s a character you’ll actually care about.

Visually, the film is stunning. The alien landscapes are eerie and the creature designs are top-tier. The movie posters got me thinking that they’ll be against a HUGE creature (see images below) but nope, not in this film. Good thing IMAX helped elevate every frame, good enough for me to brush off that misdirection.

The action we love from previous Predator films is still there, but it’s more purposeful now. This is a PG-13 film after all, and while it doesn’t shy away from tension, it’s surprisingly family-friendly (of course with supervision that humans don’t kill family members unlike the Yautja), something no one expected from a Predator movie.

Critics are calling it one of the most heartfelt entries in the franchise, and it’s easy to see why. Badlands shows us the good side of the Yautja. it shows us a different kind of sci-fi, one where empathy and evolution take center stage. I don’t know if it’s just me, but if you’re the type of person who watches the likes of Mandalorian and other Star Wars movies, this hits close to home with its formula: Lone adventurer meets relatable sidekick, meets cute and funny creature, meets dilemmas, then ends with resolution to the problem, and hints to a possible next movie. That’s it.

Anyway, if you’re looking for something unexpected this weekend, Predator: Badlands may be worth the trip. Just make sure to catch it at SM Cinema’s IMAX if you can. The experience is next-level!

P.S. And in case you want to question why I called Dek a “softboy”, here’s a definition: A “softboy” is a slang term for a man who is emotionally sensitive, gentle, and challenges traditional masculine stereotypes. He expresses vulnerability and emotional depth, often with artistic interests and a preference for more introspective or non-mainstream aesthetics. Exactly what he did in the film.

---

For updates on our latest discoveries within (and outside) the Metro, don’t forget to follow Manila Millennial on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.