--- title: "Terminator: Dark Fate" year: 2019 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/terminator-dark-fate" fi1m_score: 61 critics_score: 63 critics_reviews: 22 published: "2026-09-19T17:14:24.682528+00:00" updated: "2026-09-19T17:14:24.903549+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) Directed by Tim Miller · 2h 08m · MPA R · Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller **Fi1m score: 61** · Critics 63 from 22 reviews *In a sentence:* Linda Hamilton gets out of a car with a rocket launcher; the film never again finds anything that good > Tim Miller’s sequel wipes the slate back to 1991 and brings Linda Hamilton with it, and for an hour that is enough. Then the script starts remaking *Terminator 2* beat for beat, and the last act blurs into digital metal. ## Synopsis In Mexico, Daniella “Dani” Ramos (Natalia Reyes) works at a factory with Diego Ramos (Diego Boneta), and arrives one morning to find a machine has been brought in to do his job. The same day two visitors drop out of the sky. One is Grace (Mackenzie Davis), a soldier from the future with metal under her skin, who has come to keep Dani alive. The other calls himself Gabriel (Gabriel Luna) and is a REV-9, a killing machine that can split into a liquid-metal skin and a black skeleton, so that one pursuer becomes two. A fight on the factory floor becomes a chase down a motorway, and just as it is being lost, an older woman with a rocket launcher steps out of a car. Her name is Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). ## Review The idea behind *Terminator: Dark Fate* is a good one and a cynical one. Pretend the three sequels after [*Terminator 2: Judgment Day*](https://film.one/film/terminator-2-judgment-day) (1991) never happened, bring James Cameron back as producer, bring Linda Hamilton back as Sarah Connor, and start again in Mexico with a new young woman being hunted by a new machine. Tim Miller directs it with more discipline than that suggests. What he cannot do is stop the script from turning, somewhere around the halfway mark, into the film Cameron already made. Hamilton is the reason to see it. She plays Sarah now as a woman who has spent the decades since alone with her guns and her grudges, and she is funny about it in a way the series has rarely allowed her. Her entrance, out of a car on a motorway with a launcher on her shoulder and a line we will not spoil, made us sit up, which we had not expected from a fifth sequel. We had thought the pleasure of seeing her would be sentimental. It was not; she is simply the strongest presence in the film, and the script knows it. Mackenzie Davis does most of the running. Grace is a human with machine parts, which means she fights like a Terminator and then has to lie down and be fed, and Davis plays the exhaustion as well as the violence, all long limbs and clenched jaw. Natalia Reyes has the harder job as Dani, the person everyone is protecting, and for too long the writers give her little to do but be protected. Gabriel Luna plays the REV-9 with a pleasant, empty courtesy that is properly unnerving, and the design of the thing, a liquid skin that peels away from a black endoskeleton so that two of it come after you, is the one new idea in the film. The craft is sound. Ken Seng shoots the Mexican daylight hard and white, so the factory floor and the motorway feel like real places, and Sonja Klaus dresses that floor with enough machinery for a fight to have things to hit. Julian Clarke cuts the factory brawl and the motorway chase so that we always know which body is where. Ngila Dickson puts Sarah in dark glasses and a jacket that has seen a great deal, and Grace in whatever she could steal. Junkie XL’s score is percussion and low synthesiser, mixed loud, and by the end it is doing the work the pictures should be doing. Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives about an hour in, as a T-800 who has taken the name Carl, a wife and a business fitting curtains. This ought to be dreadful. It is the funniest stretch of the film, because Schwarzenegger plays it straight, with a flat pride in his drapes that had us laughing and then oddly touched, and his scenes with Hamilton, two old enemies who cannot stand each other, have a weight nothing else here has. Then the plot takes over. The screenplay, credited to Billy Ray, David S. Goyer and Justin Rhodes from a story with five names on it, follows the shape of *Terminator 2* almost scene for scene: the hunted, the protector, the reluctant veteran, the road, the final industrial location. There is a reveal about Dani that we will not describe; it is the film’s attempt at saying something, and it is delivered as a speech. The last half hour is a plane, a fall and a fight in which digital figures throw each other through digital walls, and somewhere in it we stopped following who was hitting whom. We were not bored so much as worn down. Most critics have called it the best Terminator since *T2*. That is true and it is a low bar. [*The Terminator*](https://film.one/film/the-terminator) (1984) had one idea and one monster and ran them for 107 lean minutes; this has three heroines, two machines and 128 minutes, and the arithmetic does not favour it. Watch it for Hamilton, for Davis, for Schwarzenegger’s curtains, and for a first hour that remembers what made the series good. The second hour remembers it too, and copies it out. It carries a 15 certificate. *Fi1m score 61, published 19 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics welcome Terminator: Dark Fate as the best entry since Judgment Day and a return to form. The praise gathers around Linda Hamilton, whose return as Sarah Connor is credited with giving the film its spine, and around her scenes with Arnold Schwarzenegger, which several reviews find unexpectedly touching. Mackenzie Davis is the most frequently named of the new cast, and the decision to build the story around three women is widely counted a strength. The reservations cluster on familiarity. Even admirers note that the plot follows the first two films closely, and the harsher reviews treat that as the whole problem: Time Out calls it a watery facsimile of Terminator 2, Sight and Sound finds it competent but pointless, and the Financial Times thinks the series should stop. The spread is wide, from warm approval to outright dismissal, with the middle ground agreeing it is fun but not fresh. ### Reviews we read (22) - **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (80/100, inferred): The critic finds Dark Fate feels like a real Terminator movie again after the previous disappointing entries, crediting the return of Linda Hamilton as the key ingredient alongside strong turns from the new cast members. It is hailed as easily the third-best film in the series and a worthy successor that restores hope for the franchise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/terminator-dark-fate/) - **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (80/100, inferred): It is the best Terminator sequel in over 20 years, with a poignant reunion of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton deepened by time. Much of it takes place in Mexico with a refreshing change of scenery and strong new faces including Mackenzie Davis and Natalia Reyes. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-10-22/terminator-dark-fate-review-arnold-schwarzenegger-linda-hamilton) - **The Times**, Kevin Maher (4/5): Finally the first good Terminator since T2, fixing previous issues with time travel obsession, John Connor focus and Schwarzenegger misuse. Strong set pieces, smart feminist lore rewrite and Davis as the standout performer make it audience-pleasing and derivative in a good way. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/terminator-dark-fate-review-the-first-good-film-from-this-series-for-decades-sqkhjbpp3) - **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (80/100, inferred): It is the first good Terminator since T2, a lean tough and absorbing sequel that returns to the series’ smartly packaged low-down genre-thriller classicism. Directed with gritty rock-solid craft by Tim Miller, it taps back into the enthralling surface of the franchise’s comic-book kinetics. [Read](https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/terminator-dark-fate-review-linda-hamilton-arnold-schwarzenegger-1203377138/) - **Evening Standard**, David Sexton (75/100, inferred): The review calls it the best episode since Terminator 2, praising Linda Hamilton's commanding return as Sarah Connor and the updated emphasis on female heroines alongside Arnie's comic domestic turn as Carl. Though a fairly direct remake without the original shocks, it delivers solid action and entertainment value. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/terminator-dark-fate-review-lindas-back-with-a-blast-and-arnies-a-family-guy-a4270536.html) - **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): The film is an adequate addition that succeeds by delivering sufficient thrills and some emotional depth through its feminist focus on the female characters working together, though it is creaky, clumsy and never threatens to supplant the first two entries in the series. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/terminator-dark-fate-review/5144044.article) - **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (70/100, inferred): Under Tim Miller’s direction the franchise finds a novel groove despite plot elements that are heated-up leftovers. There is plenty to savor, especially the final third’s light show and Mackenzie Davis at its core. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/11/11/end-times-in-terminator-dark-fate-and-marriage-story) - **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (70/100, inferred): The film is a late addition to a weary franchise that the critic finds likable for its disregard of timeline continuity. It features returning stars Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger alongside new athleticism from Mackenzie Davis. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/30/movies/terminator-dark-fate-review.html) - **Radio Times**, Huw Fullerton (3/5): Hamilton’s return makes this easily the best sequel since T2, delivering crowd-pleasing action and strong central performances, though it suffers from tepid jokes and a lack of truly fresh ideas. It is still a welcome return to form that gives the original heroine her due. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/terminator-dark-fate-review/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (60/100, inferred): The film replays elements from the first two Terminator movies with new twists and social touches, as a late-period reboot that acknowledges its classic status while leaving the door open for more. Hamilton gets a robust role but concedes badass superiority to Davis, and the repetitive nature of the franchise is acknowledged. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/oct/23/terminator-dark-fate-review-james-cameron-linda-hamilton-arnold-schwarzenegger-cyborg) - **The i Paper**, Demetrios Matheou (★★★): The critic welcomes the return of Sarah Connor as a kick-ass highlight that elevates the film into more satisfying female-led territory, but laments that beyond this it sticks rigidly to the same repetitive template, beats and script weaknesses as prior entries. Déjà vu ultimately undermines the experience despite exciting action sequences. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/terminator-dark-fate-review-arnold-schwarzenegger-uk-release-354194) - **The Telegraph** (3/5): The film resets the franchise like The Force Awakens, with pacy action, strong creature design and satisfying practical effects mixed with CG. Hamilton and Schwarzenegger return as leathery veterans, though it touches on topical issues like border camps. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/terminator-dark-fate-review-james-cameron-hits-reset-button/) - **Sight and Sound**, Michael Hale (30/100, inferred): The critic notes the film's close adherence to the plot and structure of the first two Terminator entries, resulting in limited originality, but highlights its refreshing gender focus with strong performances from Linda Hamilton, Natalia Reyes and Mackenzie Davis as a team of flawed opponents. Overall, it is competent but ultimately feels pointless. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/terminator-dark-fate-review-apocalypse-once-more-with-women-fore) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, John DeFore (30/100, inferred): The film offers some pleasure as a 21st-century retread of T2 but suffers from obeying the sequel imperative by delivering increasingly ludicrous action set pieces while the script’s additions to the mythology underwhelm. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/terminator-dark-fate-review-1249238/) - **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (30/100, inferred): The review calls the film a watery facsimile of Terminator 2 with too little that is new, criticising its reliance on CGI set pieces and lack of balance or character depth despite promising early moments and the appeal of its female leads. Arnie’s committed turn provides the only real surprise. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/terminator-dark-fate) - **Financial Times**, Nigel Andrews (20/100, inferred): The film is frantic, sad, tired and imbecilic, with unengaging characters and dull action until Schwarzenegger arrives for some hilarity as a drapes fitter. Nothing is fun, and the series should lower the curtain. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/c7077d5e-f597-11e9-9ef3-eca8fc8f2d65) - **The Wrap** (85/100, inferred): The film is a welcome, topical and action-packed return to form for the franchise that feels sharp and relevant again after disappointing sequels. It updates the classic story with memorable characters, surprising depth and contemporary relevance around technology and borders while delivering strong performances, especially from Linda Hamilton. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/terminator-dark-fate-film-review-arnold-schwarzenegger-linda-hamilton/) - **Collider**, Haleigh Foutch (B+): The critic calls it the best Terminator film since T2 and a strong return to form for the franchise, crediting the focus on character and thrilling action sequences. Minor complaints include some length issues in the third act and overly explicit messaging. [Read](https://collider.com/terminator-dark-fate-review/) - **Digital Spy**, Gabriella Geisinger (80/100, inferred): Terminator: Dark Fate does exactly what it was supposed to do and has a lot of fun, delivering edge-of-your-seat action and emphatic performances that make it fresh compared to prior entries. The critic singles out the well-choreographed stunts, distinct fighting styles, and strong characters including the three female protagonists for praise. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a29535232/terminator-dark-fate-review/) - **NME**, Nick Levine (4/5): This is a surprising and rousing return to form, the best Terminator film since Judgment Day, with savage action sequences and compelling characters that make the sequel fly. The critic singles out Linda Hamilton's grizzled, brilliant portrayal of Sarah Connor and the focus on the three female protagonists for particular praise. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/terminator-dark-fate-review-arnold-schwarzenegger-2559802) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (70/100, inferred): This is a reasonably entertaining sequel that is dumb at points but still fun, with Tim Miller capably staging massive action sequences. The real joy comes from Linda Hamilton's return as Sarah Connor, who rescues every scene and is worth the price of admission. [Read](https://deadline.com/video/terminator-dark-fate-review-arnold-schwarzenegger-linda-hamilton-james-cameron/) - **Den of Geek**, David Crow (3/5): The film is a steady actioner that pays appropriate tribute to the past and is the closest the franchise has come to the originals since T2, though it does not match their heights or offer a better ending. It singles out the cast, particularly Hamilton and Schwarzenegger's scenes together, and the multi-generational female leads for praise. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/terminator-dark-fate-review/) ## Details - **Director:** Tim Miller - **Director:** Tim Miller - **Screenplay:** David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes, Billy Ray - **Story:** Josh Friedman, Justin Rhodes, James Cameron, David S. Goyer, Charles H. Eglee - **Cinematography:** Ken Seng - **Editor:** Julian Clarke - **Music:** Junkie XL - **Production design:** Sonja Klaus - **Costume design:** Ngila Dickson - **Producer:** David Ellison, James Cameron - **Cast:** Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor; Arnold Schwarzenegger as T-800 / Carl; Mackenzie Davis as Grace; Natalia Reyes as Daniella "Dani" Ramos; Gabriel Luna as Gabriel / REV-9; Diego Boneta as Diego Ramos; Ferran Fernández as Flacco; Tristán Ulloa as Felipe Gandal - **Runtime:** 2h 08m - **Certificate (MPA):** R - **Release (the US):** 1 November 2019 - **Genres:** Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller - **Budget:** $185 million - **Box office:** $261 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqxnFHoKwzE ## Where to watch in the US - Paramount+: streaming, hd - Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd - Hulu: add-on, hd - Apple TV: add-on, uhd - The Roku Channel: add-on, hd - Amazon Prime Video: rent $4.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent $4.99, hd - Apple TV: buy $14.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy $14.99, uhd *Checked 2026-09-19.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* (1991), Fi1m 88: The film this one keeps quoting; see where the quotations came from. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/terminator-2-judgment-day.md) - *Mad Max: Fury Road* (2015), Fi1m 88: A chase film that trusts its stunts and its women and never explains itself. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/mad-max-fury-road.md) - *Aliens* (1986), Fi1m 91: Cameron’s other sequel about a hardened woman protecting a child from machines that will not stop. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/aliens.md) - *Timecrimes* (2007): Spanish time-travel thriller made for nothing, tighter than any blockbuster on the subject. - *Logan* (2017), Fi1m 83: An ageing killer, a hunted girl and a road; the franchise sequel that earned its sadness. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/logan.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/terminator-dark-fate