Movie Review: John Carpenter's the Thing

John Carpenter's The Thing is quite possibly the finest horror movie remake ever made. Expanding on the themes and ideas of the original (The Thing from Another Planet), Carpenter's film also pushes special effects to a new level with unbelievably realistic models, impressive animatronics, blood-curdling stop-motion animation and outstanding makeup from practical effects wizard Rob Bottin. With superb acting, fantastically eerie visuals, and powerfully grotesque creatures, The Thing remains both a cult classic and one of the quintessential examples of science fiction horror.

Norwegian scientists discover the remains of an alien creature buried deep within the icy South Pole that is able to imitate other creatures it comes in contact with. With the ability to alter its cell structure to match the physical characteristics of other life forms, the ghastly Thing can essentially remain undetected amongst civilizations. After killing off all the scientists, a lone infected dog manages to escape to a nearby American science facility and begin its steady takeover of the unsuspecting humans stationed there. Led by MacReady (a bearded Kurt Russell), the trapped crew must attempt to destroy the hostile alien while battling against the distrust and paranoia created from the monster's shape-shifting abilities. As tensions rise and the temperature drops, who will survive and who will become the Thing?

The story is masterfully executed with dark, foreboding cinematography, claustrophobic sets, and wondrous grotesqueries in creature and makeup effects. Much like Ridley Scott's Alien, Carpenter has mastered the art of suspense by utilizing shots of blackened corridors, murky shadows, and quick glimpses of mutilated alien cadavers to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. The themes of isolation and being hunted down one by one are constantly present, and throughout the film growing distrust and paranoia keep the tension high.