The Thing from Another World
rdeleskie

Review by rdeleskie

The Thing from Another World 1951

★★★½

Watched 11 Nov 2024

Dull heroes dampen this effectively plotted and produced low budget sci-go horror. There are hints of conflict between the press (freedom of expression), the researchers (amoral scientific expertise) and the military (security at all costs), but they all quickly resolve in favour of the guys with the guns. 

Margaret Sheridan is the only source of life or heat in the sterile outpost. Her performance transcends the material: you can see why Hawks thought she’d be a big star. She’s magnetic. Alas. 

One excellent jump scare (first appearance of the Thing), one super creepy sequence (the plant embryos growing in the lab) and one incredible practical effect stunt (where they throw kerosine on the burning alien). Lots of dull backslapping and dry soldier banter in between.

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