Predator: Killer of Killers is Hulu’s new animated film that continues the resurgence of the fan favorite sci-fi franchise following the critical and fan acclaim of Prey. This anthology features three of the most formidable warriors from throughout Earth’s history, a viking, a ninja, and a WWII fighter pilot, as they become targeted by the titular race of extraterrestrial big game hunters. Stylish animation and a bold storytelling approach provide easily one of the best installments of the entire series, setting up a potentially intriguing new direction that could be explored in further animated installments or even a big budget live action flick.
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane), the story opens in 841 A.D. with the introduction of the fierce, gray haired Viking Ursa (Lindsay LaVanchy) and her son as they seek revenge during a bloody war. This segment alone could’ve been an entire film unto itself, brimming with epic scale battle sequences and no shortage of bloody carnage. But since each individual section has limited screen time, the segments flyby at entertaining speed with no fat on the story to trim. Each story also has their own unique new Predator with imaginative unseen designs and skills.
From there we are introduced to a brothers quarrel in feudal Japan between ninja Kenji (Louis Ozawa) and his Samurai brother. The gorgeous animation style stays consistent for the entire film and evokes animated projects like Netflix’s Arcane, but the setting changes make for eye-popping color palette changes and virtual set designs with Japan being a standout. Lastly, we jump to WWII and the brash, but talented mechanic turned fighter pilot Torres (Rick Gonzalez) who is joined by sci-fi legend Michael Biehn (Aliens, Terminator) as Commander Vandy. Since each section introduces a new style of Predator combat due to the setting and weaponry, Torres’ is hunted in the air displaying an incredibly cool dogfight with a Predator ship.
Just when you think Predator: Killer of Killers is about to cut out early, it turns out the film isn’t entirely an anthology. The final act sees all three protagonists brought together on what appears to be the Predator home world. There they are forced into gladiator battle against each other by an “apex” Predator running the show for legions of the hunt obsessed creatures in attendance to watch. The events tie the entire film together nicely and our main cast feature enjoyable interactions due to their obviously different historical periods and language barriers.
Predator fans will eat up the homages and easter eggs to the franchise history, but things never get too heavy handed with the nostalgia. Trachtenberg, who is also directing this years Predator: Badlands, seems to have found the creativity and swagger the franchise has been missing. Predator: Killer of Killers builds off of the goodwill created in Prey and seems to be building towards a bigger, better Predator cinematic universe and that’s, well,…killer.
Score: 4 out of 5
Predator: Killer of Killers is streaming now on Hulu.