Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (often abbreviated as AVPR) is a 2007 science fiction horror film and the sequel to 2004's Alien vs. Predator (film). Directed by Colin and Greg Strause (the "Brothers Strause") in their directorial debut, the film follows the aftermath of the Predator-Alien hybrid (Predalien) outbreak, as the Xenomorph threat reaches a small American town.

Requiem intensifies the violence and gore of its predecessor and features a lone Predator, known as Wolf, sent to contain the outbreak. The film blends survival horror with urban warfare and marks the last cinematic entry in the AVP sub-franchise.

Release Information

Release Date: December 25, 2007 (USA)
Directors: Colin Strause, Greg Strause
Screenplay: Shane Salerno
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Runtime: 94 minutes (theatrical), 101 minutes (unrated)
Rating: R
Budget: $40 million
Box Office: $130 million (worldwide)

Synopsis

Following the events of Alien vs. Predator (2004), a Predator spacecraft crashes in the forests outside Gunnison, Colorado. Aboard is a hybrid creature — the Predalien, a Xenomorph born from a Predator host. The creature begins to infect the local population, spreading Facehuggers and creating a new hive.

The Yautja homeworld receives the distress signal, prompting an elite Predator named Wolf to travel to Earth to exterminate the Xenomorphs and erase all evidence of the outbreak. As the alien infestation grows, civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire.

The story follows several human survivors, including Dallas Howard, an ex-con; his younger brother Ricky; and Kelly O’Brien, a returning soldier and mother. As the town descends into chaos, the government intervenes with deadly force — culminating in the nuclear destruction of Gunnison.

Main Cast

Steven Pasquale as Dallas Howard
Reiko Aylesworth as Kelly O'Brien
Johnny Lewis as Ricky
Kristen Hager as Jesse
Ariel Gade as Molly O'Brien
John Ortiz as Sheriff Morales
Ian Whyte as Wolf (Predator) and Predalien

Characters

Wolf: A veteran Predator sent to Earth to eliminate the Xenomorph outbreak and erase all evidence. Skilled, methodical, and ruthless. Predalien: A powerful Xenomorph born from a Predator host. It combines traits of both species and becomes the dominant threat. Dallas Howard: A recently released convict who steps up to lead survivors. Kelly O'Brien: A soldier and mother returning from deployment, determined to protect her daughter. Ricky and Jesse: Local teens caught in the middle of the alien invasion.

Xenomorphs and Predalien

The film introduces the Predalien, a hybrid creature that:

Possesses a Xenomorph’s aggression and growth rate
Uses a new reproductive method by forcibly implanting embryos into pregnant human hosts

Xenomorph Drones rapidly multiply, overrunning sewers, hospitals, and neighborhoods. Their speed, stealth, and hive-building behavior remain central to the plot.

Predator Technology

Wolf utilizes advanced and brutal hunting tools, including:

Dual plasma casters
Laser mines
Acid-neutralizing liquid
Combistick and whip
Cloaking and vision modes

Wolf erases all trace of the Xenomorphs, often killing humans in the process to preserve Yautja secrecy.

Themes

Containment and Secrecy: Wolf’s mission reflects the Predators’ strict honor code and commitment to hiding their existence. Human Helplessness: Unlike previous films, humans in Requiem are largely powerless bystanders. Hybrid Horror: The Predalien embodies the danger of cross-species mutation and biological escalation. Government Response: The film ends with a dark reflection on government overreach and sacrifice for secrecy.

Production

Shot in British Columbia, Canada, the film aimed for a darker, more horror-driven tone than its predecessor. The Brothers Strause emphasized practical effects and creature suits, though the film was criticized for its excessive darkness and difficult-to-see action scenes.

Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. (ADI) returned to design the creatures, including the new Predalien design with dreadlocks, a more muscular frame, and a protruding inner jaw.

The film was released with an R rating, featuring graphic violence, acid burns, and creature-related gore.

Reception

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem received largely negative reviews from critics, who cited poor lighting, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of suspense. However, some fans appreciated the more brutal tone and expanded creature lore.

Rotten Tomatoes: 12% Metacritic: 29/100 CinemaScore: C

Despite its reception, the film performed modestly well at the box office, though it marked the end of the AVP film series.

Legacy

While Requiem was the last AVP movie to date, it expanded several elements of the crossover universe:

Introduced the Predalien in live-action
Explored Predator cleanup missions and covert operations
Raised questions about Yautja society and Earth’s awareness of alien threats

The film’s final scene teases a deeper connection to Weyland-Yutani, as Predator technology is handed over to a mysterious corporate figure: Ms. Yutani.

External Links

Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem

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