Predator: Killer of Killers Review Sparks Disappointment After Prey

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Dan Trachtenberg’s “Prey” not only left me astounded by its revival of the sci-fi action franchise but also filled me with optimism about what he might do next in the series. When it was announced that “Predator: Killer of Killers” was in development, I couldn’t have been more thrilled, as the idea of various storylines like those set in Viking and samurai eras within the universe seemed a promising way to build on his success. Regrettably, the film demonstrates both the strengths and weaknesses of Trachtenberg directing two separate “Predator” movies at once.

Titled “Predator: Hunter of Hunters,” this work, created by Trachtenberg and Micho Robert Rutare, unfolds across four distinct time periods, recounting various tales involving the menacing extraterrestrial species on a quest to find formidable adversaries. The stories include a Viking woman leading her tribe in pursuit of vengeance, a ninja butting heads with his samurai brother as he assumes power over his feudal Japan domain, and an aspiring aviator drafted into World War II. Throughout their journeys, they are pursued by various Yautja, each with their own motives for the trio.

Killer Of Killers Offers Intriguing Predator Lore, But A Messy Story

It Feels Like A Setup For A Far Better Movie

Dan Trachtenberg effectively revitalized the Predator franchise with Prey by returning it to its original, simplified essence and crafting a tale set in the past that maintains the same level of tension as a contemporary story. In Killer of Killers, the director carried on this approach by presenting a diverse array of stories within the film, notably the Viking and ninja segments, which offer distinct combat techniques to subdue the Predator, similar to Naru’s native abilities showcased in Prey.

In the case of Trachtenberg and Rutare’s work, they miss an opportunity to make the Predator: Killer of Killers stories more impactful. Each segment follows a similar narrative structure, which can diminish the tension since we already know how they will likely end. However, there is still interest in the individual segments, such as the Japan chapter with minimal dialogue. Despite each story being intended to have emotional resonance for its characters, I found myself desiring more of the supposed “present day” narrative.

A concern with the movie’s structure as an anthology is how the final act combines the three separate narratives. This approach might have been stronger if it had been preceded by more connecting elements or transitions between stories. Instead, it seems hurried and jumbled as it attempts to merge the themes of its individual segments into a 30-minute finale. To add insult to injury, the ending, and thus the film’s conclusion, appears to be a setup for a sequel, undermining my appreciation for Prey.

Killer Of Killers’ Art Design Is Fantastic, But The Animation Not So Much

Random Drops In Frame Rates Feel Less Stylish, More Cheap

One thing that really caught my attention was the animation in the movie, which seemed to blend 2D and 3D styles akin to Netflix’s Arcane. The visual design, starting with the Viking leader in the opening scene, met all my expectations. From vast snowy landscapes to individual strands of hair in an intricate hairstyle, it was clear that attention was paid to every minute detail. Moreover, I was captivated by how the movie portrayed its feudal Japan setting, with falling leaves and architecture that looked as if they were plucked from an art book.

While I must confess, the animation in the movie produced by The Third Floor Inc., renowned for their Emmy-winning work on shows like Game of Thrones and various Marvel Cinematic Universe and Monsterverse films, fell short of my expectations. In several instances, the choppy animation pulled me out of the experience, with a specific fight scene in the Viking chapter standing out as if the frame rate had been intentionally reduced, making it appear more like a step-by-step playback of the scene rather than fluid animation.

In essence, I’m not asking for flawless animation in every title, but a bit more uniformity would have been appreciated. For the most part, the motion in Killer of Killers resembles that found in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and the Spider-Verse films. It’s more akin to a motion comic than a brand new animated project, and it does suit the style. However, when rough, low-frame-rate movements are paired with seamless ones, it becomes noticeably jarring.

Killer of Killers all the more unfortunate. This new installment seems to lack focus in continuing the franchise and appears to be a stopgap measure until the release of Badlands. The cliffhanger ending of Predator: Killer of Killers not only suggests a sequel but almost challenges 20th Century Studios to produce Prey 2. A film I initially looked forward to, I now find myself torn about its continuation.

Predator: Killer of Killers begins streaming on Hulu on June 6.

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2025-06-06 06:07