Review: Terminator Dark Fate

The much-loved Terminator franchise returned with a bang last month, and I’m happy to declare it a high-octane, edge-of-the-seat joyride, filled to the brim with all the bells and whistles you’d hope for the sci-fi action sequel. 

Terminator: Dark Fate had audiences (myself included) glued to the big screen as we held on for dear life, enjoying the unravelling of events depicting the age-old battle of humans vs. technology.

Set in Mexico City 22 years after the Terminator killed Sarah Connor’s son, Dark Fate follows the story of regular factory worker Daniella ‘Dani’ Ramos (Natalia Reyes) who is unexpectedly tracked down and hunted by an advanced shapeshifting Terminator (the Rev-9) from the future. 

Right from the start of this wild-goose chase, we are treated to adrenaline-fuelled action scenes; with impressive robots causing a ruckus, a carefully structured plot, beautifully planned character arcs and an enticing raw and real cast.

What I loved was director Tim Miller’s ability to keep the entertainment and engagement continuum up for the entirety of the flick, with not a minute to spare wondering when the credits would roll. 

But what I loved even more was how, in true fashion of the times, the stereotypical ‘damsel-in-distress rescued by a knight in shining armour’ scenario was skilfully torn apart as the protectors who came to Dani’s aid were instead powerful female characters embodying strength and resilience.

A cyborg from the year 2042 named Grace (Mackenzie Davis) and of course, the one and only Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) eventually work together as a team to navigate their way through the City with a seemingly all-knowing all-powerful machine hot on their tail. 

And even though Arnie is woven into the plot later on making a humorously impressive comeback, the focus isn’t on the big muscly man with all the macho-ness you could ever imagine, or even the lean mean villain machine. Instead, the spotlight shone bright on these women warriors who prove a sci-fi action film can be just as bad-ass (if not more) lead by a trio of awesome female energy. 

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Whether you’re a die-hard fan or not, Terminator: Dark Fate is built to entertain the masses. Regardless of what you’re into, you can’t shy away from spending a good thrilling 2 hours on a visual roller coaster. 

This sixth instalment in a highly successful franchise proves it is possible to continue a saga, if you adapt to the times and focus on all the intricacies of punchy dialogue, characters with attractive chemistry and a captivating story. I for one definitely hope they’ll be back with another!