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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Predator (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


A Predator spacecraft crash-lands on Earth, igniting chaos and danger. Army Ranger sniper Quinn McKenna, alongside his team, faces a fierce assault from the Predator while on a mission to rescue hostages. Quinn manages to incapacitate the alien creature and sends its armor for analysis. However, following the instructions of government agent Will Traeger, the director of the “Stargazer Project,” Quinn is imprisoned for examination, while Traeger takes the Predator to a laboratory for experimentation, enlisting the help of evolutionary biologist Casey Bracket. Casey proposes that the DNA of the Predator is remarkably similar to that of humans, leading Traeger to ponder whether human DNA has origins in Predator genetics. They further discover that the ship was merely an escape pod, raising questions about the location of the mother ship.

As the Predator awakens, it breaks free from confinement, causing havoc in the lab but inexplicably spares Casey, perhaps due to her state of undress. Meanwhile, Rory, Quinn’s autistic son portrayed by Jacob Tremblay, unintentionally activates the guidance systems of the armor that his father mailed, disrupting the controls of the mother ship as it approaches Earth. This act renders the alien vessel visible, leading to its pursuit by Air Force jets. The Predator, now aware of Rory’s possession of its gear, uses a different helmet in the lab to track him down.

Upon the mother ship’s landing, the Predator unleashes a group of monstrous dogs to locate the lost tech now in Rory’s hands. As Quinn is transported with a mix of other captives, including ex-Marine Nebraska Williams, military veterans Coyle and Baxley, pilot Nettles, and ex-Marine Lynch, they witness the Predator’s escape firsthand and take control of their transport. Casey informs Quinn of the Predator’s escape and its relentless pursuit of its lost armor and weapons.

The group decides to find Quinn’s estranged wife, Emily, hoping to recover the armor he sent. However, they soon discover that Rory has taken to wearing the armor for Halloween, aiming to evade bullies. Racing against time, Quinn and his team arrive just as two terrifying Predator dogs prepare to strike at Rory. A thrilling chase ensues, leading into a nearby school where they are confronted by the original Predator and a fiercer, larger one who swiftly eliminates the first. They narrowly escape, but it becomes clear that the Predators are on a mission to reclaim their advanced technology.

Realizing the Predators are trying to enhance their species using DNA from humans and other species, the team seeks refuge in an old barn. Unfortunately, Traeger finds them and theorizes that the Predators are racing against climate change which threatens their ability to acquire human DNA, thus intensifying their quest for the most desirable genetic material to ensure their survival. Furthermore, he speculates that the rogue Predator may have been attempting to bring technology to Earth to combat its counterparts.

When Traeger seizes Rory, intending to exploit his unique genetic makeup, Quinn’s group makes a daring escape with the help of a brain-damaged Predator dog. Arriving at the crashed ship, the larger Predator arrives and kills Lynch, speaking through translation software to reveal its plan to destroy the ship to prevent them from obtaining its technology, promising a head start before commencing its hunt.

The ensuing battle is fierce, leading to multiple casualties as Traeger makes a fatal mistake with a Predator weapon. The Predator abducts Rory, intending to harness the advantages of his autism in their hybridization efforts. Quinn, Nebraska, and Nettles manage to board the ship, but a brutal force field severely injures Nettles, resulting in his tragic fall. Nebraska heroically sacrifices himself to ensure the ship’s destruction, allowing Quinn a chance to infiltrate and confront the Predator. In a gripping finale, after the ship crashes, Quinn, Casey, and their friends band together to overpower the creature, honoring their fallen comrades with heartfelt tributes in the aftermath.

In a post-incident scene, Quinn and Rory are seen in a laboratory, where they witness the opening of a cargo from the Predator’s vessel that holds a mysterious piece of technology, which briefly connects to a lab worker, hinting at the development of a “Predator killer” suit before it unexpectedly powers down.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Predator (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Predator Spacecraft Crash

A Predator spacecraft crashes on Earth, signaling the beginning of chaos and danger across the region. This incident unleashes a powerful alien presence that becomes central to the unfolding conflict.

Quinn's Rescue Mission

Army Ranger sniper Quinn McKenna and his team embark on a mission to rescue hostages. They are suddenly ambushed by the ferocious Predator, leading to a fierce battle for survival.

Capturing the Predator

Quinn McKenna successfully incapacitates the Predator during their confrontation. Afterward, he sends the alien's armor for analysis, sparking interest from government officials.

Quinn's Imprisonment

Following the events, Quinn is imprisoned on the orders of government agent Will Traeger. Traeger takes custody of the Predator for experimentation and interrogation, escalating the stakes significantly.

Casey Bracket's Analysis

Evolutionary biologist Casey Bracket joins the investigation, revealing that Predator DNA is closely related to humans. This discovery leads to shocking implications regarding human ancestry.

The Predator Awakens

The captured Predator unexpectedly breaks free from confinement, wreaking havoc in the laboratory. In a surprising turn, it spares Casey, leaving many to question its motives.

Laboratory

Rory Activates the Armor

Quinn's son, Rory, unknowingly activates the guidance systems of the Predator's armor. This action alerts the Predator and renders the mother ship visible, drawing attention from Air Force jets.

Mother Ship and Predator Dogs

As the mother ship lands on Earth, the Predator releases a pack of monstrous dogs to locate the lost technology in Rory's possession. The situation escalates, posing greater threats to the group.

The Team's Escape

Together with other captives, Quinn and his team manage to escape their transport. They quickly learn that the Predator is in pursuit of its lost armor, raising the urgency for their mission.

Confrontation at School

The team discovers Rory wearing the Predator armor at school, just as two aggressive Predator dogs close in on him. A thrilling chase ensues, showcasing the chaos brought on by the Predators.

School

Traeger's Theory

Traeger confronts the team, proposing that the Predators are racing against climate change to acquire human DNA. He believes that they are desperate to enhance their species through genetic acquisition.

Tragic Sacrifice

As the battle intensifies, Nebraska sacrifices himself to help Quinn destroy the alien ship. This selfless act gives Quinn the chance to confront the main Predator and save Rory.

Crashed Ship

Final Confrontation

In a climactic battle aboard the ship, Quinn and his allies manage to overpower the larger Predator. Their teamwork is crucial to overcoming the creature, which results in significant casualties.

Ship

Aftermath and Reflection

After the battle, the surviving characters honor their fallen comrades, reflecting on their sacrifices. The devastating experience leaves them with deeper bonds and a sense of loss.

Predator Killer Technology

In a post-incident scene, Quinn and Rory witness the opening of a cargo from the Predator's vessel that activates a mysterious technology. This hint at the development of a Predator killer suit raises new concerns.

Laboratory

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Predator (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook)

Quinn McKenna is a skilled Army Ranger sniper who is driven by his desire to protect his son and stop the Predator threat. He is portrayed as resourceful and determined, often using his tactical training to navigate crises. His character embodies the complexities of fatherhood, blending vulnerability with fierce dedication to his family.

🏅 Military 👨‍👦 Family 🦸‍♂️ Hero

Traeger (Sterling K. Brown)

Will Traeger is a government agent obsessed with understanding the Predator, showcasing ruthlessness in his methods. He represents the bureaucratic and unethical side of science, driven by an ulterior motive to exploit the alien technology for human advantage. His character serves as a foil to Quinn, often at odds in their approaches to dealing with the Predator.

🕴️ Government 🧪 Experimentation ⚖️ Morality

Rory McKenna (Jacob Tremblay)

Rory, Quinn's autistic son, plays a crucial role in the plot as his unique traits become central to the conflict with the Predators. He is innocent yet resourceful, inadvertently activating the Predator's technology, which significantly impacts the events. Rory's character highlights themes of acceptance, showcasing his intelligence and courage under pressure.

👦 Autism 🎮 Technology 🌟 Innocence

Casey Brackett (Olivia Munn)

Casey Brackett is an evolutionary biologist who becomes an integral part of the team. Intelligent and assertive, she pushes for the understanding of the Predator's biology and motivations. Casey's strong presence challenges traditional gender roles within the narrative, as she actively engages in combat and strategic planning.

🔬 Science 👩‍🔬 Empowerment 🧠 Intelligence

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Predator (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, showcasing modern technology alongside the extraordinary elements introduced by the arrival of the alien Predator. It depicts a world where human genetics and extraterrestrial biology intersect, exploring themes of survival and adaptation.

Location

Earth, laboratory, old barn, school

The movie predominantly takes place on Earth, featuring chaotic sequences at a laboratory where the Predator is studied. Additional significant locations include an old barn that serves as a refuge for Quinn's team and a nearby school where a thrilling confrontation occurs. Each of these settings adds to the tension and the stakes of the Predator's hunt.

🌍 Earth 🏭 Laboratory 🏚️ Barn 🎓 School

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Predator (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


👾

Survival

The theme of survival is central to the narrative, as characters are forced to outsmart a predatory species with advanced technology. Quinn and his team must utilize their skills and resilience to protect not only their own lives but also that of Quinn's son, Rory. The struggle against the relentless pursuit of the Predators highlights the instinct to survive, even in the direst situations.

🧬

Genetics

Genetics plays a pivotal role in the story, especially in the exploration of the Predator's intention to incorporate human DNA into their species. Casey's discovery of the similarity between human and Predator DNA raises ethical questions about genetic manipulation and the quest for superiority. The film probes into the implications of genetic origins and the dangers of playing God.

🦸‍♂️

Heroism

In the face of overwhelming odds, heroism emerges as a key theme. Characters like Nebraska exhibit selflessness and bravery, making the ultimate sacrifice to secure a future for others. The group's unity and willingness to fight back against the alien threat underscore the film's commentary on courage in the face of adversity.

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