Released in 2018, “The Predator” has suddenly seen a resurgence on Netflix this week. This installment in the iconic Predators franchise brings a fresh yet familiar face to the battle between humans and extraterrestrial hunters.
Directed by Shane Black, the film aims to revitalize the series by expanding its lore and introducing new dimensions to the mythology. This article delves into the movie’s plot, unpacks its ending, and explores the underlying themes that drive its narrative.
The Predator (2018) Plot Summary & Movie Synopsis:
What Happens When a Predator Crashes on Earth?
The film opens with a thrilling sequence where a Predator ship crash-lands on Earth. U.S. Army Ranger sniper Quinn McKenna and his team embark on a hostage retrieval mission, only to be ambushed by the creature.
Quinn manages to incapacitate the alien and sends parts of its armor by mail, hoping to prove extraterrestrial life exists. However, this act catches the attention of government agent Will Traeger, who captures Quinn and the Predator for secretive examination.
Who Are the Key Players in the Human-Predator Conflict?
Recruited to study the creatures is evolutionary biologist Casey Bracket, who makes a shocking discovery: their genetic makeup includes human DNA. As tensions rise, the Predator escapes captivity, unleashing chaos by killing lab workers and guards, but sparing Bracket—the only unarmed person—hinting at a deeper connection between humans and Predators.
Quinn is later captured alongside other captives, including former Marines and an Army helicopter pilot. The group, witnessing a creature breakout, hijacks a bus to rescue Quinn’s estranged son, Rory, who has been wearing Predator armor to avoid bullies. Their mission becomes a desperate fight for survival as they fend off Predator hounds and encounter a more formidable Predator intent on retrieving its lost technology.
Casey Bracket concludes that the Predators aim to enhance themselves using human DNA and possibly that of other species. She theorizes that Rory’s autism grants him the unique ability to understand Predator technology, making him a valuable asset. As the team grapples with government intervention and the relentless pursuit of the creatures, the stakes escalate, leading to a climactic showdown aboard their ship.
The Predator (2018) Movie Ending Explained:
Why Does the Predator Target Rory?
During the ending of The Predator (2018), the larger Predator communicates its intent to destroy the crashed ship to prevent the technology from falling into human hands. During the ensuing battle, many team members perish, and the creature ultimately abducts Rory. The alien perceives Rory’s advanced cognitive abilities, possibly an evolutionary leap, as essential for Predator enhancement through hybridization.
What Happens to Quinn and the Remaining Survivors?
Quinn, Nebraska, and Nettles survive the initial onslaught but face further wrath when the creature activates a force field, resulting in Nettles’ tragic death. Nebraska sacrifices himself to disable their ship, allowing Quinn to infiltrate and confront the alien. With Bracket’s assistance, they successfully kill the creature, honoring their fallen comrades along the way.
In the film’s denouement, Quinn and Rory are seen in a government lab examining recovered Predator technology. A piece of advanced gear dubbed a “Predator killer” suit, is revealed, suggesting that they intended to equip humanity for future confrontations. Quinn’s willingness to pilot the suit hints at ongoing resistance and sets the stage for potential sequels.
Themes Analysed:
Survival and Sacrifice:
Throughout the movie, characters are faced with life-and-death decisions that test their courage and loyalty. Nebraska’s ultimate sacrifice and Quinn’s relentless pursuit to save his son highlight the lengths to which individuals will go to protect loved ones and ensure the survival of humanity against formidable threats.
Technology and Its Implications:
The discovery and utilization of Predator technology raise questions about the ethical implications of using alien advancements. The “Predator killer” suit symbolizes humanity’s potential to harness extraterrestrial tech for defense, but it also foreshadows the moral dilemmas associated with wielding such power.
Government Conspiracy and Control:
Agent Traeger’s involvement underscores themes of government secrecy and control. The clandestine operations to study and weaponize the Predator reflect real-world concerns about governmental transparency and the manipulation of advanced technology for strategic advantages.
Interconnectedness of Species:
The revelation of human DNA within the Predator suggests a complex interrelation between species. This interconnectedness implies a shared evolutionary path or genetic manipulation, adding depth to the Predator lore and opening avenues for exploring hybrid species in future installments.
