While the concept of a hellscape with fiendish creatures and a kill or be killed trope is hardly new (Alien, Monster Hunters et al), Predator Badlands takes the quintessential predator Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) - beloved of his brother and scorned by his father - and casts him into a coming of age story and humanizes him. Trawling the planet Genna on the hunt of the infinitely regenerative Kalisk, Dek finds an unlikely ally in the (also all too human) Weyland-Yutani synth Thia (Elle Fanning). And Dek imbibes the leadership model of the wolf of the Earth - protector of the clan rather than mere scorekeeper. Anthropomorphism and Predator mellowing aside, the compelling visuals and taut storytelling make this one an Imax treat rather than a thoughtful watch
15.5/20
