Predator: Killer of Killers Review

Directed By: Dan Trachtenberg with Josh Wassung
Written By: Micho Robert Rutare and Dan Trachtenberg
Runtime: 90 minutes
MPA Rating: Rated R for strong bloody violence, some gore, and language.

Lindsay LaVanchy – Ursa
Damien Haas – Anders
Louis Ozawa – Kenji/Kiyoshi
Rick Gonzalez – Torres
Michael Biehn – Vandy
Doug Cockle – Einar
Piotr Michael – Gunnar
Andrew Morgado – Chief Zoran

Dan Trachtenberg delivers his latest entry in the iconic Predator franchise with the new CG-animated feature, Predator: Killer of Killers. Following Prey, it looked like the future of the Predator franchise lay in the past, potentially exploring stories of the alien warriors hunting humanity’s most skilled combatants across history. Instead, Trachtenberg opted to take things in a bold, new direction with his next live-action installment, Predator: Badlands, due out later this year. Predator: Killer of Killers takes things in a similar direction as Prey, while also expanding the franchise’s lore and world-building as never before. Those elements, combined with some compelling anthology stories, make Killer of Killers one of the most exciting and dynamic entries in the franchise yet.

Killer of Killers finally canonizes the official name of the Predator race: Yautja. The term Yautja has existed in the expanded universe material of the Predator franchise for decades. However, it’s never been utilized in an actual piece of Predator motion picture media until now. The anthology storyline showcases three of the fiercest warriors in human history: a Viking raider, Ursa (LaVanchy); a ninja in feudal Japan, Kenji (Ozawa); and a WWII-era fighter pilot, Torres (Gonzalez). In their respective chapters, each of these human combatants finds themselves in a fateful encounter with a Predator hunter. Although their storylines are initially standalone adventures, their fates ultimately intertwine in a compelling twist.

Trachtenberg, co-director Josh Wassung, and writer Micho Robert Rutare craft an exciting, dynamic piece of adult animation. The three chapters work as standalone short films, each showcasing a fierce warrior in a death-defying battle against a Predator hunter. Each one has a unique twist. The Predator warrior in the Viking era, Gunnar, is a hulking brute, and the Predator Hunter who Torres confronts during WWII evokes the Red Baron. The anthology chapters are good on their own, but then they intersect in a surprising, yet satisfying, way later on that offers the best expansion of the Predator lore to date.

The standout segment is easily the one set during Feudal Japan. There is virtually no spoken dialogue during the Japan segment, showcasing the tragic story of two brothers who were set against each other at the behest of their cruel warlord father. Later, Kenji confronts his brother Kiyoshi to reclaim his birthright, but then they are attacked by a cunning Predator hunter, engaging in a fight for survival. Besides the great animation and visual direction, it tells a complete and fulfilling story using only physical action, choreography, and body language. The way Trachtenberg and Wassung stage this segment, telling a coherent storyline with virtually no dialogue, elevates the experience.

The anthology story involving the three human warriors eventually intersects, offering an exceptional, deeper expansion into the Yautja species and culture. The final act unfolds in a way that naturally ties in with the past Predator features, building upon what works and ignoring what did not.

The main drawback of the CG animation is that it has that sometimes choppy, jutting, low-framerate style. It’s that CG animation style where the CG animation sometimes lacks smoother fluidity. It looks somewhat purposeful in Killer of Killers from a stylistic standpoint. Nevertheless, it does take a bit of an adjustment to get used to, but the animated format ultimately works to the story’s benefit. In addition, Killer of Killers certainly earns its R-rating.

Prey was a step in the right direction, while Predator: Killer of Killers is a big leap off the diving board into the deep end. After years of fumbles and failed attempts, the franchise finally appears to be in good creative hands, who love and understand the franchise. Trachtenberg appears to possess a genuine love for the expanded universe materials that helped keep the Predator franchise alive for years.

Predator: Killer of Killers debuts on Hulu on June 6.

8.5

The final score: review Very Good

The 411

Predator: Killer of Killers is a shockingly impressive, dynamic, and stunning piece of adult animation. Dan Trachtenberg expands the Predator mythos with a unique anthology storyline, showcasing their human combatants throughout history. Later, the storylines later intersect in a way that organically makes sense and sensibly builds off the best parts of the Predator lore, building out a more cohesive mythology. Predator: Killer of Killers fulfills more of the potential of this franchise than past entries have achieved.