The Thing
1982 · Directed by John Carpenter
An alien shape-shifter stalks an Antarctic research station. Paranoia horror with practical effects that still hold up 40 years later.
Why It's Cult
The Thing was a critical disaster in 1982 — released the same month as E.T., which nobody mentions — and is now widely considered one of the greatest horror films ever made. Rob Bottin's creature effects are a landmark. The ambiguous ending. The blood test scene. Carpenter's coldest, tightest film.
The Plot, Officially
A US research station, Antarctica, early-winter 1982. The base is suddenly buzzed by a helicopter from the nearby Norwegian research station. They are trying to kill a dog that has escaped from their base. After the destruction of the Norwegian chopper the members of the US team fly to the Norwegian base, only to discover them all dead or missing. They do find the remains of a strange creature the Norwegians burned. The Americans take it to their base and deduce that it is an alien life form. After a while it is apparent that the alien can take over and assimilate into other life forms, including humans, and can spread like a virus. This means that anyone at the base could be inhabited by The Thing, and tensions escalate.
Starring
Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David
Where to Watch
via JustWatch →
