Predator: Killer of Killers – A must-watch for Predator fans
Predator: Killer of Killers is the latest addition to the Predator universe and is now available on Disney+ for streaming.
An original animated, action-adventure anthology film, Predator: Killer of Killers follows the struggles of three warriors from across history as they are hunted by Predators.
The film is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who directed the well-received Prey (2022) – also available on Disney+ – and is also handling the upcoming Predator: Badlands, which is set to release in cinemas later this year.
The primary leads feature the voice acting talent of Lindsey LaVanchy, Louis Ozwa, and Rick Gonzalez, each starring in one of the anthology’s three arcs.
These arcs include one set in 9th-century Norway with Viking warriors, one in 17th-century Japan with Samurai, and one set during World War 1 following a group of United States Air Force pilots.
Each of these arcs pits its respective protagonists and their allies against a single Predator, and features the thrilling combat and gory sacrifices expected from an entry into the Predator universe.
Story and characters
While each arc isn’t particularly long, with the films’ roughly 90-minute runtime divided between them, each does an excellent job of characterising their respective protagonists and setting contextual stakes.
Thankfully, each plotline does enough to separate itself from its fellows and avoid the pitfall of telling the same story three times.
The first arc, titled The Shield, follows the leader of a band of Norwegian raiders, Vikings, as she seeks to avenge her father’s death while grooming her son to be the next Viking ruler of the territory.
The second, The Sword, is set in Japan and focuses on the conflict between two brothers, driven apart by ambition and the cruel politics of their father.
Finally, the third arc, The Bullet, centres around a young American in World War 2 and his desire to prove himself as a pilot.
All three leads are well-rounded, with understandable motivations that comfortably draw the viewer into their respective struggles.
Predator and prey
While well-rounded characters are essential, for a Predator film, ensuring the series’ namesake is suitably represented is just as important.
With Predator: Killer of Killers, you get this in spades, with each arc boasting a uniquely designed Predator adept in time-suitable methods of butchery.
For The Shield, the Predator is a lumbering brute reminiscent of a Norse berserker that rarely cloaks, while The Sword features a lither, ninja-like design complete with grappling hook and bombs.
The Bullet has potentially the most disparate design, since the arc’s combat is centred around a dogfight between US Hellcats and a Predator piloting an advanced warship.
These designs lend each Predator a degree of personality that would have been lost had the film elected to use the standard look for the iconic alien.
Animation and sound design
Predator: Killer of Killers features an animation style similar to Arcane or Blue Eye Samurai, settling into a middle ground between fully drawn illustration and a smoother 3D Disney animation.
This style fits nicely with the more brutal visuals, as the ample dismemberment and death would not feel quite right in a more conventional 3D style.
In terms of audio, the film’s music, sound effects, and voice acting are all crisp and well-balanced, with the dialogue never being overwritten by the action.
Conclusion
Predator: Killer of Killers is an excellent entry into the Predator universe and well worth a watch for any franchise fan or newcomer looking for gory action.
Its relatively light approach to lore and simple, impactful storylines make Predator: Killer of Killers particularly approachable to audiences unfamiliar with the Predator universe.
Furthermore, existing fans will enjoy the relatively short and succinct arcs for their latest Predator fix.
Watch Predator: Killer of Killers here.
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