I Don’t Think We’re Talking Enough About How Predator: Badlands Nails Its Alien Connection

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SPOILERS are ahead for Predator: Badlands, now playing in theaters.

I was pleasantly surprised by Predator: Badlands, one of the most exciting upcoming movies for 2025. I already enjoyed the previous work of its writer/director, Dan Trachtenberg (Prey and Killer of Killers), so I wasn’t sure if he could deliver another hit. While everyone is talking about how well Badlands develops the Predator story, I’m particularly interested in its connection to the Alien franchise.

Predator: Badlands Is Rightfully Getting A Lot Of Love For Being A Franchise Favorite

Let’s discuss why people are enjoying Badlands before I continue. As I mentioned in my review, this Predator film is unique because it doesn’t feature any human characters, but surprisingly feels very relatable in how it portrays its subjects. Other critics have also praised it for being a fresh take on the series.

It’s been nearly 40 years since the first Predator film, and fans really enjoyed seeing the story told from the point of view of a Predator – specifically, the character Dek. He’s the smallest and weakest of his group, and it’s a welcome change to see a Predator story that makes these creatures feel more human and someone to cheer for, at least in this movie.

The new Predator film is shaping up to be the most successful one yet, given its strong performance in theaters. However, I think there’s an important detail people aren’t discussing enough.

But, I Need To Talk About How Much I Appreciate How Its Alien Connection Is Handled

While 2004’s Alien vs. Predator remains a classic, the new film Badlands offers a completely different experience. As a bigger fan of the Alien franchise, I particularly enjoyed the unexpected bond between a Predator and a synthetic being.

In the film, Elle Fanning portrays twin artificial humans, Thia and Tessa, who work for the Weyland-Yutani corporation. The company, known for exploiting alien life, uses them to capture and study extraterrestrial species. Initially, Thia appears overly eager to assist Dek, but it’s later revealed she was subtly using her programmed emotions to influence him, until genuine feelings emerged.

The movie then adds another layer of depth. Thia isn’t just driven by her goals; she’s a very emotional person, which Tessa initially sees as a weakness. However, this sensitivity actually allows her to connect with Dek, and they bond over feeling like outsiders. I especially appreciate how the Alien franchise examines the relationship between technology and humanity, and Thia and Dek’s story perfectly expands on that theme.

Introducing Thia and Tessa to the Alien universe – even through a Predator movie – is a really smart move with the synthetic characters, and it expands the franchise’s rich history in a compelling way. The idea of an evil twin synthetic is fantastic! While Alien has featured synthetics before, Dakota Fanning’s performance as both Thia and Tessa, combined with the story they’re given, is quickly becoming one of my favorites. And that fight scene with the two halves of her battling each other? Absolutely brilliant!

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2025-11-13 15:08