Kurt Russell's "nightmarish" sci-fi horror is now streaming for free.
Released back in 1982, The Thing follows a group of American research scientists who come across a terrifying extra-terrestrial while in Antarctica.
The team soon discover that the alien can imitate other living beings, and are driven crazy with fear and paranoia as they realise any one of them could be The Thing.
Despite struggling at the box office during its initial debut, The Thing has since gained popularity among horror fans and is widely considered a cult classic.
UK fans can now watch the movie for free on the streaming service ITVX.
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Based on John W Campbell Jr's novel Who Goes There?, The Thing sees Russell in the role of helicopter pilot R J MacReady.
He features alongside his crew Dr Blair (Wilford Brimley), cook Nauls (T K Carter), Dr Copper (Richard Dysart), geologist Norris (Charles Hallahan) and chief mechanic Childs (Keith David).
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Described as a "masterpiece", The Thing boasts a very respectable 85% score from 87 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised director John Carpenter for the movie's eerie backdrop and thrilling pace.
"Carpenter stresses the slimy ET at the expense of characterisation, mood and practically everything else, yet it's precisely this one grisly facet that makes it such compelling science fiction. Even Alien can't hold a candle to the nightmarish images on offer here, so be warned," wrote RadioTimes.
"The Thing is a peerless masterpiece of relentless suspense, retina-wrecking visual excess and outright, nihilistic terror, placing 12 men at an Antarctic station while a shapeshifter takes them over one by one," said Empire.
The Thing (1982) is available to stream on ITVX.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.
