The Thing

Directed by John Carpenter, The Thing follows the members of an isolated Antarctic research team, including Kurt Russell’s MacReady, Keith David’s Childs, and Donald Moffat’s Garry, as they’re consumed by fear and suspicion after a shape-shifting alien infiltrates their ranks. Filmmaker Carpenter, working from Bill Lancaster’s screenplay, delivers a methodically-paced endeavor that essentially (and effectively) captures the viewer’s interest and attention right from the get-go, as The Thing, anchored by the stellar, captivating work of its various performers, kicks off with a suspenseful opening stretch that paves the way for a mostly enthralling midsection rife with spellbinding sequences. (There is, for example, a justifiably-iconic blood-test interlude that’s lost none of its impact and power all these years later.) The picture’s predominantly entrancing vibe is heightened by Carpenter’s hypnotizing visuals and an ongoing emphasis on top-notch practical special effects, and it’s clear, as well, that the growing paranoia among the surviving protagonists goes a long way towards perpetuating the irresistibly (and palpably) tense atmosphere. By the time the fairly electrifying climax (and note-perfect finale) rolls around, The Thing has undoubtedly confirmed its place as Carpenter’s most entertaining, accomplished movie and, without question, one of the best horror flicks of the 1980s.

**** out of ****

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