The Thing (1982)
In the winter of 1982, a twelve-man research team at a remote Antarctic research station discovers an alien buried in the snow for over 100,000 years. Soon unfrozen, the form-changing creature wreaks havoc, creates terror... and becomes one of them.
Details
Budget
$15,000,000
Rating
8/10 (7182 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Universal Pictures, The Turman-Foster Company
About The Thing
John Carpenter's 1982 film "The Thing" centers on a remote Antarctic research station where a team discovers an alien entity. This creature can perfectly imitate any living organism it encounters, leading to extreme paranoia and isolation among the twelve-man crew. The film is a blend of horror, mystery, and science fiction, emphasizing themes of mistrust and survival against an unknowable threat.
The narrative unfolds as the team grapples with the realization that anyone among them could be the alien. The enclosed, frozen environment of Antarctica intensifies the sense of claustrophobia and dread. Practical effects are central to the film's depiction of the creature's transformations.
"The Thing" is a remake of the 1951 film "The Thing from Another World" and draws directly from John W. Campbell Jr.'s novella "Who Goes There?". The movie's reception upon release was mixed, but it has since gained a reputation as a significant work within the horror genre.
Why you might be searching for The Thing
People often search for "The Thing" due to its memorable creature design, the intense paranoia among the characters, and its isolated Antarctic setting. The film's practical effects for the shape-shifting alien are frequently discussed, as is the ambiguous ending that leaves the fate of the last survivors uncertain. The idea of an alien that can perfectly mimic humans and the resulting trust issues are distinguishing elements that lead to search queries.
What reviewers are saying
A reviewer noted that John Carpenter's version respectfully adapts the original 1951 film while focusing on the paranoia from John W. Campbell Jr.'s source story.
Read the full reviewOne review points out that the film, initially criticized and financially unsuccessful, underwent a major re-evaluation over time and is now considered a key film in the horror genre.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described "The Thing" as a groundbreaking and terrifying creature film, particularly highlighting its disturbing body horror and innovative practical effects that made the horror feel real.
Read the full reviewOne critic found this remake to be one of the better ones, appreciating the visual effects and the claustrophobic Antarctic setting that heightened the sense of danger.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Thing" on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, and AMC. It's also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. For those who prefer a theatrical experience, tickets are available at Cinepolis Cinemas in the United States. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/thing-the)
"The Thing" is not based on a true story. It is a science fiction horror film directed by John Carpenter, adapted from the 1938 novella "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell Jr. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(1982_film)), [nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/23/opinion/the-thing-movie-horror.html)
The ending of "The Thing" is intentionally ambiguous. After destroying the outpost to prevent the alien from escaping, MacReady and Childs are the last two survivors, slowly freezing to death. Director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell wanted the ending to bring the audience back to a state of not knowing whom to trust, emphasizing the film's theme of paranoia. While theories about Childs being infected exist, Carpenter has stated he knows who the Thing is but won't reveal it. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(1982_film))
Yes, "The Thing" is considered a cult classic and one of the best science fiction and horror films ever made. While it initially received negative reviews upon its 1982 release, critics have since reevaluated it, praising its tense atmosphere and remarkable special effects. It holds an 85% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thing_(1982_film)), [digitalspy.com](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a65306459/the-thing-now-streaming-free-itvx/)