The Predator
2018 · Directed by Shane Black
Original language: English
- science fiction
- action
- thriller
The story
When a young boy accidentally triggers the universe's most lethal hunters' return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled scientist can prevent the end of the human race.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated daylight and jungle-green or sodium-orange night scenes give this film a loud, grimy sci-fi-action look, with handheld camera jostling through close-quarters firefights and mud-spattered suburban streets. The Predator's cloaking shimmer and red targeting lasers stand out against shadowy forests, while a pulsing, brassy synth-and-drum score drives the set pieces and gives way to bursts of jokey needle-drops. The vibe is rowdy, bruised and wisecracking, a buddy-team romp with a grumpy streak, good for a loud Friday night or a noisy rewatch with friends. Pacing is brisk and scrappy, with the emotional register swinging between bantering camaraderie and genuine unease as a group of misfit ex-soldiers and a sardonic scientist slowly learn to trust one another. Violence is frequent and bloody: creature attacks, gunfights and gory deaths, some crude language and sexual humour, but it stays in the pulpy B-movie register rather than sustained horror. It suits fans of 1980s action, creature-feature mayhem and irreverent banter who don't need a gentle watch.
More films like The Predator
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved The Predatorand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
