It’s been nearly 40 years since the Predators first appeared on screen. At that point, they were just a perfect killing machine. But in the years and films since, their role has evolved. Still, it’s fair to say Predators have never been depicted quite like they are in Predator: Badlands, which opens Friday.

The film comes from director Dan Trachtenberg, who co-created the story with screenwriter Patrick Aison. Trachtenberg has steered the franchise for the past three years, re-launching it with the streaming film Prey. That film worked, in part, because it hid its connection to the franchise. But with the first theatrical return since 2018, he wanted something bigger.

It’s also something with a new perspective. In past works, the Predators have been the foe, while the film focused on the human characters doing battle. But in this latest work a Predator—Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi)—is the hero.

The film launches with Dek, considered a runt and a weakness among his clan, on his home world. His one champion is his brother, Kwei (Michael Homick). Despite orders to end Dek, Kwei makes it possible for him to take on a hunt to prove himself.

But Dek doesn’t pick an easy path. He chooses a deadly planet home to a nearly unkillable creature. After a rough landing, he begins his hunt but it’s clear the planet and its many dangers present significant challenges. But he finds help.

There, among the weeds, is Thia (Elle Fanning). She’s a synthetic sent to scout and learn about the creatures on the planet. She’s damaged but may hold the key to Dek completing his quest. So, an unlikely partnership forms.

You get a sense of the plot from the trailer, but there is a lot more depth to it I won’t spoil here. But suffice to say this is a deep and engaging journey. It’s also something of an incredible spectacle. Trachtenberg wanted something epic for the big screen return, and this film certainly delivers on that hope.

If you’re a fan of action films, this will be a lot of fun. There are some epic fights and some great sequences. This is a film that works beautifully on a premium formats (I saw in on XD) thanks to the world-building and great action sequences.

But what puts it over-the-top is the story. There are moments of humor and heart. Schuster-Kolomatangi and Fanning play off each other well. I was invested in their relationship and their journey. The film does an amazing job of getting you in the mind of our Predator lead and making you root for him, something that puts a big spin on the franchise.

Trachtenberg has brought a lot to the Predator franchise. His first film was a delight, but this might be even better. And it certainly leaves the door open to a continuation of these stories, which would be a welcome addition to the cinematic landscape.

If you’re looking for something epic and engaging this November, Predator: Badlands is the ticket. It’s a great ride and an engaging film that is the best of the franchise so far.

Predator: Badlands opens in theaters on Friday, November 7.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.