TERMINATOR: DARK FATE (2019): A Worthy Follow-Up That Reignites the Franchise’s Core Appeal

Terminator: Dark Fate is the sixth film in the Terminator franchise, but it’s really the only one that matters after Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). By disregarding all the sequels after James Cameron’s groundbreaking T2, Dark Fate serves as a direct continuation of the saga’s best entries, bringing back Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor and Arnold Schwarzenegger as the T-800 while introducing a new generation of characters.

Under the direction of Tim Miller (Deadpool) and with James Cameron back in the producer’s seat, Dark Fate successfully captures the adrenaline-pumping action and emotional depth that made the first two films classics. While it doesn’t reach the legendary heights of The Terminator (1984) or T2, it’s the best Terminator sequel in decades—offering thrilling set pieces, a solid dose of nostalgia, and a fascinating evolution of Arnold’s iconic character.

Back to Basics: A Story That Matters Again

One of Dark Fate’s greatest strengths is how it simplifies the sprawling, convoluted mythology of the franchise. Forget Skynet’s endless reboots, Terminator: Salvation’s post-apocalyptic setting, or the timeline gymnastics of Terminator: Genisys (2015)—Dark Fate takes the franchise back to its essence: a desperate fight to save the future, one relentless Terminator at a time.

The story introduces Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes), a young woman in Mexico City who becomes the target of a new, near-indestructible Terminator model called the Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna). Sent back in time to protect her is Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an enhanced human soldier with vulnerabilities and grit, reminiscent of Kyle Reese in The Terminator. The stakes are heightened by Sarah Connor’s unexpected return to the fight, carrying the weight of her traumatic past, and the surprising reappearance of Schwarzenegger’s T-800—now living a very different life.

While Dark Fate doesn’t reinvent the formula, it refines it, grounding the action in personal stakes. Like T2, it focuses on the relationships between the characters, particularly Dani, Grace, and Sarah, while exploring how the T-800 has evolved. The result is a story that feels emotionally resonant, even amidst the chaos of explosions and chase scenes.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: A New Dimension to the T-800

If T2 was about showing the T-800’s potential for growth and humanity, Dark Fate takes that idea to new and fascinating territory. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as a T-800 who, after completing his mission, has lived decades in solitude and developed something akin to a conscience. He now goes by the name “Carl” and lives a quiet life as a drapery installer—yes, you read that right.

This evolution could have been laughable in the wrong hands, but Arnold sells it with a combination of deadpan humor and understated emotion. His performance is surprisingly layered, balancing the T-800’s cold, machine-like nature with hints of genuine remorse and even warmth. The banter between Carl and Sarah Connor is one of the film’s highlights, filled with tension, resentment, and dark humor.

While this isn’t the unstoppable killing machine of The Terminator or the protective father figure of T2, Dark Fate’s T-800 is a compelling next step in the character’s arc. It’s a testament to Schwarzenegger’s enduring screen presence that he can make a robotic assassin feel so human.

Linda Hamilton: The Heart of the Franchise

As much as Arnold is the face of The Terminator, Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor has always been the heart. Her return in Dark Fate is nothing short of triumphant. Now a hardened, battle-scarred warrior who has lost everything, Sarah carries the weight of the past two films while still fighting for humanity’s future.

Hamilton’s performance is raw, fierce, and unapologetically badass. Whether she’s wielding rocket launchers or delivering biting one-liners, she commands every scene she’s in. But Sarah isn’t just a weapon—she’s also a deeply broken character grappling with loss and regret. Her dynamic with Dani and Grace, as well as her tense relationship with the T-800, adds emotional depth to the film.

The New Faces: Dani and Grace

Natalia Reyes shines as Dani, a young woman thrust into the center of a war she doesn’t understand. Her character mirrors Sarah Connor in many ways, starting as an ordinary person who must rise to extraordinary circumstances. While Reyes’s performance is compelling, Dani’s arc feels a bit rushed, especially compared to the gradual transformation Sarah underwent in the first two films.

Mackenzie Davis, on the other hand, is a revelation as Grace. As a human augmented with cybernetic enhancements, Grace is both physically imposing and deeply vulnerable, making her a fascinating contrast to the Terminators she fights. Davis brings a combination of toughness and fragility to the role, making Grace one of the most memorable additions to the franchise.

The Rev-9: A Worthy New Nemesis

Gabriel Luna’s Rev-9 is a terrifying addition to the Terminator roster. Combining the liquid-metal abilities of the T-1000 from T2 with a separate endoskeleton that can function independently, the Rev-9 is relentless, resourceful, and almost impossible to kill.

While Luna lacks the cold menace of Robert Patrick’s T-1000, his charm and adaptability make the Rev-9 a formidable foe. The film’s action sequences are at their best when the Rev-9 is in pursuit, whether he’s crashing a plane mid-flight or wreaking havoc on a freeway.

Action That Honors the Franchise

The action in Dark Fate is relentless, with Tim Miller delivering some of the most visceral and kinetic set pieces in the franchise since T2. From a chaotic factory brawl to a high-stakes battle in mid-air, the film captures the relentless tension and explosive energy that defined the first two films.

However, while the action is thrilling, it occasionally leans too heavily on CGI, lacking the raw, practical intensity of The Terminator and T2. That said, Miller’s direction ensures that every sequence feels dynamic and engaging, even if it doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of the canal chase or Cyberdyne shootout from T2.

Balancing Nostalgia and Fresh Ideas

One of Dark Fate’s greatest achievements is how it balances nostalgia with new ideas. By bringing back Hamilton and Schwarzenegger, the film pays homage to the franchise’s roots, while the inclusion of Dani and Grace injects fresh energy into the story.

The film also makes bold narrative choices, including a shocking opening scene that redefines the series’ direction. These risks won’t sit well with every fan, but they demonstrate a willingness to evolve the franchise rather than simply rehashing old ideas (cough Terminator Genisys cough).

Final Thoughts: A Return to Form

Terminator: Dark Fate isn’t perfect—it’s not as groundbreaking as The Terminator or as emotionally resonant as T2. But it’s a thrilling, character-driven action film that revitalizes the franchise by focusing on what made it great in the first place: relentless tension, compelling characters, and Arnold Schwarzenegger being both badass and unexpectedly human.

For fans who’ve been disappointed by the lackluster sequels (Rise of the Machines, Salvation, Genisys), Dark Fate feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not just a solid Terminator movie—it’s a reminder of why this series has endured for so long. While it may not be able to escape the shadow of T2, it carves out its own path as a worthy continuation of the saga.

If this truly is the end of Arnold’s journey as the T-800, Dark Fate is a fitting farewell. It’s a film that honors his legacy while proving that the fight for the future is far from over.