The Thing (1982) - A Movie Review

How do we know who is human? Trust is a tough thing to come by.

The Thing was released to theaters in 1982. A team of researchers in Antarctica encounters a deadly shapeshifting alien. This entity assumes the appearance of its victims. In a battle of trust, any of the scientists could be the monster.

I watched The Thing a long time ago. I must have been too young to appreciate it because The Thing embodies what a horror movie is. What makes this film memorable is the use of hand-crafted practical effects that jarred me because they looked so realistic. Driven by an incredible ensemble, The Thing masters suspense, terror, and learning who to trust.

An ensemble of twelve men brought out the terrors of the unknown. Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffatt, Joel Polis, and Thomas G. Waites all did an outstanding job.

Kurt Russell especially did a remarkable job. Being a leader is hard. MacReady was harsh, unfair, and sharp-tongued but he was only trying to do what was right. Heroes don’t always display positive traits. He conducts a series of tests, fights for survival while trying to keep his chaotic crew together. He is forever a leader to remember.

Aside from mentally getting into the mind of the character, that famous beard took Russell a year to grow out!

Aside from having to remain in a hysterical-induced state for most of the film, the crew of scientists achieved their relationships. Clearly, they don’t all like each other. You can’t choose who you work with.

Because these men work together in the cold small quarters of Antarctica they have no choice but to trust. This evil entity ruins that making the men turn on each other. Putting the horrors aside, the interactions among the men are very important.

The element that has won over audiences over the decades is the gross looking and yet realistic makeup effects. I turned up my nose several times at grueling effects that resembled the most terrifying images I could ever see. Some examples are a face splitting open, a stomach growing sharp teeth, and a spider-head. You’ll understand when you watch this film.

Everything is practical. It actually looks like these disturbing creatures have come from another world. More films have been turning to CGI over practical effects. We need to use practical effects more because let’s face it, CGI takes away from realism in films!

Sets were designed to create a horrifying crime scene and the laboratory. Many hallways surround the base where the scientist work. Anything could be lurking around those dark corners.

These alien-creatures who replicate the face of your closest friend are not the only enemy. Living out in frigid Antarctica, you have to embrace the cold temperatures. I felt a chill every time they were outside in the snowy frigid air.

John Carpenter admits that The Thing is his favorite of all his films. Carpenter succeeded in putting audiences in utter suspense. His camera angles solidified the terror. At some moments the camera remains on a certain screenshot to avail the unknown terrors.

The beginning immediately brings audiences into the story. Carpenter’s excellent direction led to his creation of a bleak story and putting audiences to the test.

I warn you, The Thing is very gory if you have not seen it. If that doesn’t turn you off, then you have to experience The Thing. It is a terrifying horror film that will never lose its credibility for an ambiguous ending.