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The Predator
Movie

The Predator

2018 • Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Woke Score
3
out of 10

Plot

From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home. Now, the universe's most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.

Overall Series Review

The film shifts the setting of the hunt to suburban America and introduces a diverse group of psychologically damaged soldiers known as "The Loonies." The narrative follows a disgraced sniper attempting to protect his estranged wife and his autistic son, who becomes central to the Predator's motivations as a genetic prize. The movie heavily criticizes government agencies through its cartoonishly incompetent and corrupt military antagonist, while simultaneously celebrating a band of American military misfits as the world's saviors. A female scientist plays a key, hyper-competent role in analyzing the alien threat and joining the action. The movie focuses on R-rated action, dark comedy, and a father's attempt at redemption, keeping the focus on visceral thrills over sustained socio-political commentary.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics6/10

The heroic team of misfits is racially and gender diverse, which is highly visible in the casting. The powerful, corrupt government agent who acts as the primary human antagonist is a Black man, which prevents the vilification of "whiteness" score from hitting the top range. The plot heavily focuses on the main character's son having autism, and this condition is made pivotal to the alien's motivations as a potential step in human evolution.

Oikophobia3/10

The primary human antagonist is a corrupt US government official who acts as a military functionary and displays significant incompetence, framing an American institution negatively. The core heroic team is a rag-tag group of American soldiers and a scientist fighting to protect their home and the planet. The movie concludes with humanity preparing for future defense against the aliens, a strong message of self-defense.

Feminism4/10

The main female character is a highly competent biologist who quickly integrates into the military team and becomes an active action participant. Her rapid transformation into a “bad-ass she warrior” is sudden. The male protagonist's main arc revolves around his failure as an absent father and his attempt to redeem himself by protecting his son and estranged wife, re-centering the masculine protective role.

LGBTQ+1/10

The narrative does not contain any storylines, characters, or dialogue that center on alternative sexualities, deconstructing the nuclear family, or lecturing on gender theory. Sexuality remains a private matter outside the plot's focus.

Anti-Theism1/10

The film is a purely secular science fiction action movie. The plot focuses entirely on military action, scientific analysis of the alien, and family dynamics. There is no presence of traditional religion, Christianity, or any exploration of faith or moral relativism.