Review: The Thing (2011)
Directed by: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen
Plot Summary
The Thing (2011) is a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic, exploring what happened to the Norwegian research team before the events of the original film. Set in Antarctica, the story follows Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a paleontologist who joins a Norwegian expedition that uncovers an alien lifeform frozen in ice. However, when the creature awakens, it begins to assimilate and mimic its victims, creating paranoia and fear as the team realizes anyone could be “The Thing.”
Strengths
✔ Maintains the Tension & Paranoia – The film successfully recreates the isolation, distrust, and fear that made the 1982 version so terrifying.
✔ Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Performance – She delivers a strong, capable lead performance, reminiscent of Ripley from Alien.
✔ Connection to the 1982 Film – The prequel ties seamlessly into the events of The Thing (1982), explaining key elements like the burned base and two-faced corpse.
✔ Atmospheric Cinematography – The icy, remote setting adds to the film’s sense of dread and hopelessness.
Weaknesses
❌ Overuse of CGI Effects – Unlike the practical effects of the 1982 film, the CGI creatures feel less realistic and less terrifying.
❌ Predictable & Lacks Originality – Since it follows a similar structure to the original, the film feels repetitive, offering few surprises.
❌ Weak Character Development – Aside from Kate Lloyd, most characters feel generic and forgettable, making it hard to care about their fates.
Verdict
The Thing (2011) is a decent but unnecessary prequel that captures some of the suspense and paranoia of the original but fails to match its impact due to overused CGI and a predictable storyline. It works as a companion piece to Carpenter’s classic but doesn’t stand out on its own.
⭐ Rating: 6.5/10 👽❄️🔪
