Predator: Killer of Killers Review Reveals a Bloody, Surprising, and Unique Franchise Revival

In 2022, when the film Prey arrived, it revitalized the slumbering Predator franchise like a jolt to its core. For years, fans of sci-fi and horror have cherished this series, but efforts to revamp it with films such as Predators (2010) and The Predator (2018), along with numerous comics, had faltered. Director Dan Trachtenberg’s movie successfully rekindled the essence of the initial film while taking it into a contemporary direction that was authentic, unforced, and self-reliant. This successful endeavor has paved the way for an unprecedented growth in the Predator universe, including Predator: Badlands – a new movie featuring a Predator set to hit cinemas this November, as well as the debut of Hulu original film, Predator: Killer of Killers.

Predator: Slayer of Slayers,” directed once more by Trachtenberg (in collaboration with Josh Wassung), introduces two distinctive elements to the established series formula that set it apart: it’s an anthology film spanning various time periods, and it’s animated. This segmented narrative structure allows “Predator: Slayer of Slayers” to explore the franchise in innovative ways that single films have not been able to, while also satisfying fans’ long-standing desires. The potential of the Predator series has remained largely unexploited, with “Prey” serving as a significant breakthrough. “Predator: Slayer of Slayers” delves into this foundation with new tales that are both fresh and engaging, yet offer original ideas that never seem like simple rehashes of what came before.

What truly sets Predator: Killer of Killers apart is that despite being an animated movie, it places action at its core. The movie skillfully exploits its setting and presents each scene as if the camera is trailing its subject. The initial segment, “The Shield,” which unfolds against the backdrop of Norse warriors in 891 AD, showcases this particularly effectively. One notable scene, devoid of Predator involvement, portrays an assault on an enemy village. This sequence, styled to appear as a single uninterrupted action shot, is presented as if a cameraman were hiding among the combatants, avoiding splattering brain matter. Not only is it visually striking, but it also maintains the film’s pulsating energy in an unexpected manner.

One key strength of the movie “Predator: Killer of Killers” is evident throughout – each scene stands independently as a captivating and self-contained story, with the Predator’s presence serving as an exciting bonus. From a character perspective, these stories are rich and engaging on their own, making the arrival of the intergalactic hunter feel like the cherry on top after a satisfying meal. The narratives are robust, thoughtful, and entertaining in their own right, enhancing an already promising plot when the Predator makes its entrance. It’s quite impressive how smoothly “Predator: Killer of Killers” pulls off this delicate balance.

The second segment, titled “The Sword,” showcases an exceptional portrayal of the story. It revolves around two siblings in feudal Japan who find themselves on opposite ends of a lethal family dispute within this Predator-infested setting. _Killer of Killers_ masterfully builds tension towards their clash and delivers a spectacular fight scene, making you almost forget about the lurking Predator ready to pounce at the opportune moment. The Predator’s attacks in this film are undeniably noticeable. Those eager for graphic violence will find satisfaction with the gruesome weaponry and the dissection of human bodies on display. Chains serve as deadly weapons, exposing severed skulls and brains split across their hemispheres, while a massive spear pierces someone into a wall, splitting their body from waist up. It’s almost comical, bordering on _Mortal Kombat_ levels of anatomical dissection, but fans will rejoice at finally witnessing such scenes in a _Predator_ movie.

In the third instalment of the “Killer of Killers” collection titled “The Bullet,” we find ourselves transported to the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. A spirited young airman, yearning for aerial glory and heroism, is abruptly grounded when his naval fleet encounters an unseen enemy from above. Recognizing the need for variety in its narrative, “Killer of Killers” expertly shifts gears after two sequences of ground-based Predator combat. What follows is an unexpected air battle involving 1940s aircraft versus an extraterrestrial starship, a clash that predictably does not end well. However, this sets the stage for one of “Killer of Killers” key strengths – its imaginative methods of Predator eliminations. While one might expect laser cannons or missiles from a ship, the Predator’s code of honor demands something more visually striking and in line with the broader narrative’s themes.

In Predator: Killer of Killers, there’s an unexpected twist I won’t reveal, and while it’s effectively built up, it’s also a point where the movie seems to pause momentarily. The plot slows down to clarify its final messages, but this slowdown feels more like a glaring spotlight than a subtle hint. In contrast, Prey managed this element flawlessly, making the handling in Killer of Killers appear overly deliberate. However, considering how visually captivating and distinctive this film is within the franchise’s overall scope, these issues are minor complaints.

Predator: The Slayer of Slayers not only adds another hit to the series, but proves that even a franchise as battered as Predator can flourish with dedicated attention. The blend of anthology and animation styles works harmoniously here, offering both a fulfilling dive into the series lore and fresh content for viewers. May director Dan Trachtenberg not be bound to this franchise forever, but if he wishes and his ideas remain as exceptional and skillfully executed as they are now, it’s worth rejoicing.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Predator: Killer of Killers hits Hulu on June 6th.

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