𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖)

The Predator (2018) – A Blood-Soaked Hunt Among Warriors

The Predator (2018) is the fourth installment in the legendary Predator franchise, directed by Shane Black—who previously played Hawkins in the original 1987 film. Blending intense action, sci-fi elements, and sharp humor, the film presents a fresh take on the infamous extraterrestrial hunters.

Main Plot

The story begins with an intense space battle between two Predators, causing one of their ships to crash on Earth. Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook), an elite U.S. Army sniper, stumbles upon the wreckage while on a mission. As he investigates the crash, he discovers advanced Predator armor and weaponry. Before he can fully grasp the situation, the government intervenes to cover it up.

Before being captured, Quinn secretly mails the Predator’s equipment to his home, where his young son, Rory McKenna (Jacob Tremblay), an autistic savant, inadvertently activates the armor’s system. This signal attracts the attention of a new Predator—a monstrous, genetically enhanced version far deadlier than any before.

Meanwhile, Quinn finds himself detained alongside a group of military misfits known as the "Loonies", including:

• Nebraska Williams (Trevante Rhodes) – a calm but dangerous ex-Marine,
• Coyle (Keegan-Michael Key) – a wisecracking soldier,
• Baxley (Thomas Jane) – a sharpshooter with Tourette’s syndrome,
• Lynch (Alfie Allen) – a cold-blooded sniper,
• Nettles (Augusto Aguilera) – a pilot with a brain injury.

Unintentionally, they become humanity’s last hope against the incoming Predator threat. They are joined by Dr. Casey Bracket (Olivia Munn), a biologist recruited by the government to study the alien species.

Casey makes a shocking discovery—Predators are no longer just hunting for sport. They have begun splicing DNA from the strongest creatures they encounter, including humans, to evolve into even deadlier warriors. The Predator Quinn initially encountered was, in fact, a traitor attempting to deliver a secret weapon to humanity: the Predator Killer suit, the only technology capable of turning the tide against the Predators.

However, when the Super Predator arrives—a towering, heavily armored, and nearly indestructible mutation—the real battle begins.

A Fight for Survival

In a remote forest, a brutal chase unfolds between the Predator and Quinn’s team. The U.S. government, led by Agent Traeger (Sterling K. Brown), also seeks to harness Predator technology, turning the conflict into a chaotic three-way war between humans, the rogue Predator, and the Super Predator.

One by one, members of Quinn’s team make heroic sacrifices to protect Rory and stop the Super Predator. Nebraska throws himself into a suicidal attack to slow the beast down, while Coyle and Baxley die together in a last stand, inflicting as much damage as possible.

In the final showdown, only Quinn, Casey, and Rory remain. Using Predator technology against the creature, they manage to lure it into a trap and deliver the killing blow in a brutal fight.

A Glimpse into the Future

After the dust settles, the U.S. government recovers the Predator Killer suit—an advanced, biomechanical armor designed to help humans fight back against future Predator invasions. Quinn, now in possession of this ultimate weapon, declares that he will become the next hunter, turning the tables on the extraterrestrial predators.

The film ends on an open-ended note, hinting at future conflicts between humans and the deadly alien species.

Key Highlights

• Evolved Predators: The film introduces the Super Predator—a larger, genetically modified version of its predecessors, setting up a more formidable antagonist than ever before.
• Humor and Action: The Predator balances intense, gory action with comedic moments, particularly from the “Loonies” squad and their sarcastic banter.
• New Predator Lore: The revelation that Predators are evolving by integrating DNA from other species adds a fresh twist to the franchise’s mythology.
• Open-Ended Conclusion: The introduction of the Predator Killer suit teases a potential new direction for the franchise, where humans may finally have the means to fight back.