While James Cameron sold the rights to Terminator in the mid-90s, rumors circulated around 2018 that he was resuming creative control. This was welcome news, though it was understood that his commitments to the Avatar franchise precluded directing. He would, however, contribute to the story and serve as producer. The subsequent announcement that this film would follow a similar path to Halloween, disregarding all sequels except Terminator 2: Judgement Day, was met with anticipation. The prospect of seeing Cameron’s intended continuation, free from prior narrative diversions, was highly appealing. However, the reality proved to be quite different.
Upon viewing Terminator: Dark Fate in the cinema, the experience was profoundly underwhelming. A fitting analogy might be a meticulously crafted cake where, regrettably, an unsuitable ingredient has been substituted for a key component. The presentation is visually appealing, and initial impressions are positive, but closer examination reveals a fundamental flaw.
Dani Ramos (Natalya Reyes) leads an ordinary life in Mexico City with her family. This normalcy is shattered when she witnesses her father being attacked by Grace (Mackenzie Davis). The subsequent transformation of her father into a robotic assassin makes it clear that her life has irrevocably changed. A desperate struggle for survival ensues as they are pursued by Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna), a highly advanced Terminator model. Assistance arrives in the form of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), and the trio embarks on a journey to the United States, seeking the aid of a mysterious individual who may hold the key to neutralizing the future threat.
Turning to the film’s strengths, Linda Hamilton’s return to her iconic role is a definite highlight. Her portrayal of Sarah Connor remains definitive. While the action genre features numerous male actors over 60, Hamilton demonstrates that women of the same age can deliver equally compelling performances. Mackenzie Davis embodies Grace, an augmented human supersoldier from the future. Equipped with enhanced strength and resilience, she is capable of engaging Rev-9 on near-equal terms. Davis effectively conveys both the character’s physical prowess and underlying vulnerability.
While the intention was to feel similarly about Natalya Reyes’ portrayal of Dani Ramos, the character proves problematic. Dani’s characterization lacks depth, and her abrupt transformation towards the film’s conclusion feels unearned. While Sarah Connor’s evolution was developed over the decade separating the first and second films (Terminator 2 is set in 1995), Dani Ramos undergoes a similar shift within a compressed timeframe, spanning only a few scenes.
Addressing further shortcomings, the inclusion of Arnold Schwarzenegger warrants discussion. The film attempts to justify the actor’s present-day appearance, similar to Terminator: Genesys, by explaining that his extended presence in our time has altered his physiology. However, the explanation in Genesys was more effective. The film attempts to create a sense of surprise regarding Schwarzenegger’s appearance, but his prominent placement in promotional materials negates this effect. Furthermore, his character’s contribution to the plot is ultimately superfluous. Rev-9 could have been defeated regardless of his presence. This instance of fan service ultimately detracts from the narrative.
The theatrical release of Terminator: Dark Fate included a poster featuring the four main characters. Arguably, the film would have benefited from the removal of at least one of these characters. As previously mentioned, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character feels unnecessary. Similarly, Sarah Connor’s role could also be considered expendable. The presence of four main characters proves to be one, or possibly two, too many.
The issue of having four main characters contributes to a disappointing conclusion, diminishing the emotional impact. While audiences may have been moved by Arnold’s iconic thumbs-up in molten lava in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (a plot point revealed nearly 30 years ago), director Tim Miller fails to elicit similar empathy for the characters’ fates in Terminator: Dark Fate. Despite Miller’s success with Deadpool, the film’s lack of focus is evident in Terminator – Dark Fate. The plot feels disjointed, driven by superficial script requirements rather than coherent development. Miller’s inexperience is apparent. Furthermore, numerous elements, including the treatment of John Connor, the portrayal of the future’s supercomputer, strained humor, and temporal paradoxes, detract from the overall experience; however, these will be omitted for brevity.
Conversely, the exceptional Ultra HD edition significantly elevates the overall experience, delivering on its technical promise. The picture quality is flawless, with Dolby Vision and HDR colors enhancing the visual experience. The Dolby Atmos sound design is equally impressive, creating an immersive auditory landscape. The supplemental material is also noteworthy, featuring in-depth documentaries providing detailed insights into the film’s production.
In conclusion, Terminator: Dark Fate is a disappointment overall, it does offer well-executed action sequences (such as the initial car chase), visually impressive effects, and a compelling performance by Gabriel Luna as Rev-9. The return of Hamilton is another positive aspect. These elements, combined with the high-quality UHD presentation, justify a conditional recommendation, acknowledging both the film’s merits and its shortcomings.
