Watch The Thing
- R
- 1982
- 1 hr 49 min
-
8.2 (478,095)
In the icy wilderness of Antarctica in the early 1980s, a group of American researchers discover a Norwegian camp that has been destroyed for some unknown reason. Upon closer investigation, they discover a mutilated corpse and an unusual specimen completely frozen in ice that seems to have not originated from Earth. Unknown to the team at the time, the organism is an extraterrestrial being which has entered a state of dormancy following a previous inhabitation on Earth.
After bringing the specimen back to their own base, they make the startling discovery that the organism can assimilate and replicate any life form it comes across. This revelation puts the entire base in danger as paranoia and distrust spread among the team, and they must figure out a way to identify who is human and who is not before the organism takes over everyone and makes its escape back to civilization.
What follows is a gripping tale of horror, suspense, and mystery as the researchers fight for survival and attempt to outsmart the organism in a game of survival. The film is a masterclass in building suspense and tension, making excellent use of the snow-bound setting and the sense of isolation it creates. The score, composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, complements the film's chilling atmosphere exceptionally, and the practical effects are a true highlight of the film, with some of the most well-crafted and gruesome creature designs ever seen on screen.
Kurt Russell's strong performance as R.J. MacReady, the cynical helicopter pilot, stands out as the lead, but the entire ensemble cast does a fantastic job of selling the paranoia and dread that permeates throughout the film. Additionally, Keith David brings a sense of grounded reality to the group as Childs, a mechanic with a no-nonsense attitude, while Wilford Brimley successfully portrays Dr. Blair, a scientist who becomes increasingly paranoid and obsessed with stopping the organism at all costs.
In conclusion, The Thing is a horror masterpiece that stands the test of time as one of the best horror films ever made. With its expert storytelling, incredible practical effects, and unforgettable performances, the film remains as exhilarating and terrifying to watch as it was upon its release, nearly forty years ago.
The Thing is a 1982 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2 and a MetaScore of 57.