What Makes "The Thing (1982)" Great?

John Carpenter's remake of a 1950s classic is a staple of the Science Fiction/ Horror genre. This is thanks to great character work from a solid cast, a brilliant use of atmosphere, and some amazing practical effects that hold up even today.

A Group of American researchers based in Antarctica encountered a dangerous alien lifeform that can assimilate and intimate other lifeforms. As the group's trust in each other worsens due to the creature's shapeshifting abilities, they scramble to find the beast hiding among them and destroy it before it can reach civilization.

Much like Alien, which came out a few years before, the Thing makes great use of atmosphere. The arctic setting creates a great sense of isolation and fear, much like the space setting in the first Alien movie. But saying this film is just Alien in a different setting is an insult because it has an identity all to itself. Carpenter's skill in keeping the audience on their toes is on display here. The fact that the monster can be in plain sight creates great tension between the characters as they don't know who to trust. This is especially satisfying on rewatches as the film has many subtle details you can pick up on well after your first viewing. I have seen the film multiple times, and I still find new things I didn't notice before. This wouldn't work without a solid ensemble including Kurt Russel, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, etc. They all do a good job of emphasizing the intensity of the situation as it takes a toll on them mentally.

The effects used to bring this mysterious creature to life are quite something. With some great design and puppeteering work, there are some amazing and creative uses of body horror with all the different forms we see the titular monster take. It's a great reminder of how impactful great effects can be when they are not CGI or on some green screen. The late great Enio Morricone brings an extra layer to the film with his score. It has a great slow burn and intense feel to it, and hearing it play during the opening credits and sequence lets you know you are an intense viewing.

John Carpenter's The Thing is packed with shocks that will thrill any first-time viewer. It will keep you on guard and guessing what will happen next even after the credits roll.