There are some characters whose behaviors and culture become so solidified within the universe that it’s hard for fans to connect with that same character when it’s approached from a different direction. This is especially true of alien species, whose entire existence is often centered around traditions and actions. These characteristics are often reinforced through multiple installments, so when a story tries to do something different, it just doesn’t feel right. This happens throughout the Shane Black sci-fi film The Predator.
The film begins as a Predator ship crash lands on Earth. After killing several soldiers, a Predator is captured and sent for examination. Scientists discover human DNA in its genetic code. This leads to the revelation that Predators don’t just come to Earth to challenge themselves. They are also interested in mixing human DNA with their own in order to make themselves superior. A “Super Predator” arrives to hunt down the first. After he successfully kills the initial Predator, the second one continues on his mission to recover Predator technology.
Even though individual Predators could be complex characters, the culture as a whole is not. The entire premise of the franchise lies behind the Predators’ drive to hunt for sport. This can be seen in almost every single Predator film from Predator to Prey — and even in Alien vs Predator! AvP: Requiem was able to side skirt this detail as the film’s plot was largely a cleanup of the first movie. But The Predator doesn’t follow the same trend. There are hints of the Predators’ sport hunting lifestyle, but the plot revolves around something entirely different by trying to create some grand revelation behind the Predators’ actions. Because of this, the film feels as if it’s disconnected from the heart of the Predator franchise and that it doesn’t understand the soul of the series. Fortunately, the newest installment of the series, Prey, returns to the basics and doesn’t overcomplicate things, which is why it is one of the best in the series.
Prey is now streaming on Hulu.
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