Terminator: Dark Fate

The Terminator franchise is interesting in how it incorporates numerous alternate timelines. The original 1984 film The Terminator and its 1991 sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, was first followed up by 2003’s Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines and then 2009’s Terminator Salvation. Terminator 3 onward was first established as an alternate timeline by the TV series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008-2009), only for that series to itself be established as another alternate timeline by the events of Terminator Genisys (2015), which had intended to start its own trilogy. Now, in 2019, the sixth film in the franchise, Terminator: Dark Fate, saw creative control of the franchise return to James Cameron, who deemed the film as the true canonical sequel to Terminator 2, rendering Genisys as yet another alternate timeline.

25 years after the events of Terminator 2, a new Terminator model known as the Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna) is sent back in time to Mexico City with the intent to kill Daniella “Dani” Ramos (Natalia Reyes) while an augmented soldier, Grace (Mackenzie Davis), is also sent back in time to protect her. When both sides catch up with Dani, a chase ensues, ending with the arrival of Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), who anticipated the arrival of the Rev-9. Down, but not out, the Rev-9 pursues the three women while they learn more about not only the past, but the future that is to come.

Press photo of the three protagonists; L-R: Daniella "Dani" Ramos (Natalia Reyes),
Grace (Mackenzie Davis), Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton).

As a direct follow-up to Terminator 2, Dark Fate does a good job in carrying the franchise forward and opening up new storytelling possibilities. While the only film I’ve seen past the first two was Genisys, I’d say that this film was able to keep the same spirit as the original films in both its intense atmosphere and subtle humor, but noticeably reuses certain plot elements from other Terminator films. The idea of a member of the human resistance being sent back in time to protect someone from a relentless, nigh-unstoppable killing machine is consistently used as a springboard. That’s not to say there hasn’t been any attempts to keep it fresh, with Terminator 2’s reprogrammed Terminator as a guardian and Dark Fate splitting the difference with an augmented human, it’s just nothing we haven’t seen. Similarly, the Rev-9 Terminator model has very similar abilities to the T-1000, except the Rev-9 has a shapeshifting liquid exterior as opposed to the T-1000’s liquid metal body. While the main plot does get resolved, some information is left hanging, presumably to allow room for expansion in future sequels.

Story and plot aside, the action is a highlight of Dark Fate, with a number of setpieces that showcase the Rev-9’s ability to incorporate modern military-grade technology into its mission. This includes a climactic showdown that stands out on its own from other Terminator films, including its own spin on using the environment to help defeat the Rev-9 once and for all. The special effects are also very strong, especially the depiction of the Rev-9’s liquid metal exterior and how it interacts with everything around it.

The Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna) is visually impressive.

The actors give strong performances, particularly Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton as they reprise their famous roles. Hamilton shows that even in her 60s, she can still play a badass action hero. Mackenzie Davis and Natalia Reyes also show an ability to play action heroes, which will no doubt give a boost to their careers. The casting also seems more diverse than in previous Terminator films, especially considering how much of the film takes place in Mexico, but fortunately Dark Fate isn’t as in-your-face about it as it easily could’ve been. I also have to give props to the musical score, particularly for the way it incorporates “The Terminator Theme” throughout.

Terminator: Dark Fate is easily one of the better Terminator films. It recycles plot elements from other installments, especially the first two, but still tries to put its own spin on them to not feel completely derivative. While the story could be tighter, the strong acting and stellar action help make it a worthy follow-up to Terminator 2. I would recommend this to both existing Terminator fans and action fans in general, but if you’re unfamiliar with the franchise, it’s best to go in right after watching The Terminator and Terminator 2.