FILM REVIEW: Predator Killer of Killers (2025)

Predator: Killer of Killers - New Release Review

Director: Dan Trachtenberg, Joshua Wassung

Starring: Lindsay LaVanchy, Damien C. Haas, Michael Biehn, Rick Gonzalez, Louis Ozawa

Written by: Micho Robert Rutare

Produced by: John Davis, Ben Rosenblatt, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg

Original Score by: Benjamin Wallfisch

Synopsis:

Three of the fiercest warriors in human history become prey to the ultimate killer of killers.

Thoughts:

When 'The Predator' was released in 2018, it felt like the final nail in the coffin for the Yautja's hunting expeditions on the big screen. Prior to this their appearances in two 'Alien Vs Predator' films were met with critical derision and 2010's 'Predators' had a lukewarm reception. All that changed in 2022 with 'Prey', a film that revered the spirit of the 1987 original without using it to prop itself up. The key to its success was its focus on character before adding a Predator to the mix. The masterstroke this time was in setting it in a particular moment in human history with a warrior of that era. In the case of 'Prey' there was a Comanche warrior that faced off against the intergalactic hunter. It raised the question of what other period in history could you drop the Predator into and with 'Predator: Killer of Killers' you get some answer. 

An animated anthology, the film places the iconic creature in three stories from three uniquely different cultures in human history. The first is a Nordic themed tale of revenge called, 'The Shield'. The second sees two estranged brothers in a power struggle in Edo Japan called, 'The Sword'. The final story is called 'The Bullet' takes place during World War II with an American who has been drafted into the navy whose dreams of becoming a pilot are realised when his unit is in danger.

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The choice to make this an animated film is inspired as it allows directors, Dan Trachtenberg (returning to the series after his success with Prey) and Joshua Wassung the opportunity to explore three distinctly different stories in a scope that would be difficult to achieve in a live action format. With this film they take it and run with it making a barnstorming piece of sci-fi/action. The work carried out by animation company the Third Floor is stunning and lends itself to the high levels of action and brutality on display with some of the kills in this film standing amongst the best in the series. 

What makes the film work so well (and one of the reasons why its predecessor Prey was such a big success with fans and critics alike) is its focus on character. Each story functions on their own terms before a Yautja is thrown into the mix. The thing that ties each of the stories together is how driven each of the main characters are for different reasons and the way they are handled in each story makes you care about them, which in turn enhances the terrific action sequences throughout. That said, there are a few throwbacks to other films in the series but it never detracts with what we are presented with. The best example of this can be found in Benjamin Wallfisch's great score which contains some callbacks to the 1987 original but he weaves it in perfectly to the distinctly different cultural backdrops of each story, helping to propel the action and sense of peril. 

The first story, 'The Shield' takes place in 841 A.D. and sees Viking warrior Ursa leading her clan (including her son Anders) on a bloody quest for revenge against the leader of the Krivich tribe, Zoran who is responsible for the death of her father. It is a very muscular story and one which meditates on the nature of revenge in a satisfying manner. It does a great job at establishing how brutal the violence is going to be before the Predator even shows up as limbs fly and blood sprays across the screen. The invasion of Zoran's fortress is handled particularly well as the main shot is from behind Ursa in a fixed manner locking in the audience as she moves forward carving a path of vengeful violence. It is a strong start to the film and one which assures viewers that this film isn't going to hold back. 

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The action then moves to the Edo era of Japan (1690 A.D.) with 'The Sword', which opens with two brothers (Kenji and Kiyoshi) who are forced to fight each other for the right to become their father's successor. 20 years later after the father dies, Kenji, sees it as an opportunity to seize power for himself. Out of all the scenarios that could include a Predator this seems to be the one fans have been most clamoring for most. In arguably the best scene in 2010's 'Predators' we got a taste of it as a member of the Yakuza fought a Predator with a katana. Here, it is a case of fan service done right as it gives them what they want but it is placed in an emotionally resonant story of estranged brothers putting aside their differences to defeat a threat to their home. The biggest strength in this segment is its focus on visual storytelling as it is almost entirely dialogue free with shot compositions flowing with an elegance amidst the bloody violence. There is also a great dichotomy in the action through the stealthy nature of Kenji's and the Predator's actions which adds another layer to what is a fantastic story. 

The final story, 'The Bullet' takes place in 1942 and sees World War II naval draftee Torres who dreams of being a pilot being flung straight into action as a Yautja ship threatens to decimate his entire unit. It offers audiences something they've never seen before in the series with some impressive aerial dog fight sequences as Torres' unit are in a fight for survival against a Yautja enemy. The kinetic nature of the shot movements and the underdog nature of Torres as a character are what make this segment really tick. This is just before the grand finale of the film which is not just a wonderful convergence for what we have seen throughout the film but it potentially offers us an insight into what Dan Trachtenberg has in store for the series to come.

Usually with anthology films there is a weak link somewhere along the way but this is not the case here. It is an absolute blast that pays reverence to the series in the best way possible whilst carving its own path forward. Any apprehension you might have at it being animated is unwarranted as it is a stunning looking film packed with relentlessly brutal action alongside characters that you really care for. It is another brilliant entry in the series that will have you clamouring for more. 

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

-Joseph McElroy

'Predator: Killer of Killers' is available to stream on Disney+ from June 6th