There is a reinvigoration in the Predator franchise. Director Dan Trachtenberg crafted such a heartfelt love letter to the film series with Prey that a newfound excitement and trust have been established with the fans, letting them know that the future is in good hands.
Predator: Killer of Killers is the first opportunity for the franchise to capitalize on this momentum and goodwill, using it to execute a rousing animated feature. Davis Entertainment, the original production company behind the Predator franchise, teamed up with The Third Floor, a pre- and post-visualization CG animation studio, to create an original animated film with a unique style. The story spans across time and pits our extraterrestrial hunter against some of history’s greatest warriors. Killer of Killers utilizes this premise, along with certain twists, to create a film that fully embraces the classic Predator tropes, leaving fans delighted.
What Prey did for the Predator franchise cannot be overstated. The film revived the classic horror/action IP after a production hiatus and reconnected with audiences who had started to lose interest in the series following the mixed reception of Shane Black’s The Predator. Prey went back to the roots of the film and created a straightforward hunter-versus-hunter story. A simple pitch of “what would happen if the Predator faced off against some of Earth’s greatest warriors?” This not only delivered a fun, action-packed thriller but also a surprisingly relevant origin story for a heroine. The film centered around Naru, a young Comanche warrior, who confronts not just the vicious alien hunter, but prejudice, and a colonial presence that threatens her people. Amber Midthunder delivers a powerful performance that feels authentic and grounded in reality, a quality not always found in these kinds of films. This heartfelt approach to the film earned it an Emmy nomination for “Best TV movie,” a Critics’ Choice nomination for Amber, and an outcry from fans who wished to see the film in theatres instead of its streaming-only release. This barebones and genuine outlook on the franchise rejuvenated fans and gave them hope for the future.
This also highlighted the fantastic premise of “Predator versus insert warrior here.” Fans went crazy theorizing which of Earth’s greatest warriors could take on the almighty Yautja. Predator vs Viking? Predator vs Samurai? This leads directly into Killer of Killers. The animated film takes on these hypothetical battles by creating a film that features small vignettes of Predator fights that have taken place throughout history. Predator: Killers of Killers highlights various confrontations that Yautjas have had with some of the most formidable combatants Earth has to offer. Each short story is personalized and detailed, featuring impactful characters who are more than just fighters. This makes each story more engaging and emotional than a simplified “fighter vs fighter” one would. However, the absolute joy is finding out how these battles connect throughout time and what the Yautja plan to do with these warriors, which leads into the breathtaking third act.
Although the first few battles are appealing and creative, the final combatant’s story is by far the standout of the film. Rick Gonzalez stars as Torres, a mechanic and pilot during World War II, who is confronted with one of the most unique Yautja audiences have seen. His ingenuity and endearing personality make for the most exciting battle in the film. There is such a great emphasis on character with Torres that his story becomes the most captivating by offering audiences an uncommon hero in this monumental battle against the galaxy’s most powerful hunters. The film saves the best for last with Torres’s vignette, which leads perfectly into our third act, where the character truly shines. The addition of Torres shows that director Dan Trachtenberg and the creative team behind the film understand the importance of not just focusing on epic action set pieces but also on charming and relatable characters that will resonate with audiences throughout the madness and mayhem.
The film’s animated sequences are another highlight. There are so many memorable moments and specific elements that make these battles all the more alluring. The Third Floor (whose previous work includes pre-viz for Marvel and Star Wars) fearlessly take on the challenge of crafting these animated sequences with an original flair and style that stands out. The character design is another crucial factor of making a memorable animated film, and Killer of Killers nails it. Each warrior has a striking and noteworthy visual presence. This sets the stage for even more eye-catching and personalized moments.
Predator: Killer of Killers is a bloody blast! An action-packed, thrill ride that will leave Predator fans ecstatic. The film has such a genuine love for the franchise that it makes each battle all the more engaging. The attention to detail from the film extends beyond the action and battles and into the characters. Gonzalez, as Torres, is the stand-out. A character who brings his savviness, passion, and sheer determination to overwhelming situations. His addition makes the movie more than just a Predator action spectacle, but a character-driven, well-rounded film. From the premise to the characters, Killer of Killers is another fantastic addition to the Predator franchise and a good sign of things to come. The franchise is in good hands, and Predator: Killer of Killers is just another example of that.
Rating: 8.5/10