The Thing (1982)
Based on the 1951 sci-fi classic The Thing from Another World, Carpenter’s masterful remake takes the story in a more intense, horror-oriented direction. The film centers around a group of scientists at an Antarctic research station that becomes infected by a deadly, shape-shifting alien that can assume the appearance of the people it murders.
With its creepy, isolated atmosphere, paranoid overtones (when any of the men could be the alien, who is there to trust?) and gruesome, still-shocking make-up effects by Rob Bottin, The Thing is an undisputed genre masterpiece. Kurt Russell is an understated, unfussy lead — exactly what the film needs.
The Thing was not a huge success when it was first released, receiving negative reviews and so-so box office. It was also a victim of bad luck and bad timing, opening just a few weeks after a far friendlier alien movie, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. Now.
But today the film is viewed as one of Carpenter’s finest achievements, and one of the best horror movie remakes — as well as one of the flat-out best horror movies, and sci-fi movies, of all.
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