The Thing, directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., serves as a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror masterpiece. Set in the icy desolation of Antarctica, the film explores the events that occurred at the Norwegian research station before the story of the original The Thing. While it faces the challenge of living up to its predecessor, the 2025 film manages to offer its own terrifying moments, delivering a blend of tension, paranoia, and gore.

The story begins when a group of Norwegian scientists discovers a crashed alien spaceship buried beneath the ice. Alongside American paleontologist Kate Lloyd, the team excavates a frozen alien organism. What starts as a groundbreaking scientific discovery quickly turns into a nightmare when the creature thaws and reveals its horrifying ability to imitate any living being it consumes.

As the creature begins attacking and assimilating members of the group, paranoia spreads throughout the camp. With no way to distinguish friend from foe, the survivors must rely on their instincts and resourcefulness to prevent the creature from escaping and spreading to the rest of the world. The tension escalates as trust erodes, forcing the team into a desperate fight for survival against an enemy that can be anyone.

The Thing (2025) captures the eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere of its predecessor while introducing modern visual effects and practical effects to bring the terrifying creature to life. With a suspenseful storyline and intense body horror, the film honors Carpenter’s legacy while expanding the mythos of the shape-shifting alien menace.

Fans of the original will appreciate the nods to Carpenter’s film, including detailed set design replicating the Norwegian camp and subtle connections to the 1982 classic. For newcomers, The Thing (2025) serves as a gripping horror-thriller that delivers relentless suspense and shocking twists, ensuring that the nightmare of The Thing continues to haunt audiences for years to come.