The Dead Thing Review: Modern dating can feel like an endless cycle of swiping, shallow conversations, and fleeting encounters that rarely lead to anything meaningful. Alex (Blu Hunt) is particularly disillusioned with the dating scene, feeling as though her romantic prospects are nothing more than superficial app-driven flings. Her perspective changes when she meets Kyle (Ben Smith-Peterson), a charismatic man who offers her a genuine connection for the first time in ages. However, after a magical night together, Kyle vanishes without a trace, prompting Alex to embark on a search that uncovers eerie and unsettling truths. As the investigation deepens, the stakes grow higher, intertwining Alex’s fate with the enigmatic and increasingly dangerous Kyle.
Elric Kane’s The Dead Thing excels in creating a disturbing atmosphere and offering profound insights within its brief runtime. The film effectively portrays the grim routine of urban life and love, presenting Alex’s existence as an endless loop of monotonous experiences. Blu Hunt delivers a nuanced and compelling performance, bringing depth to a character trapped in a cycle of unremarkable encounters. Ben Smith-Peterson also shines as Kyle, enhancing the film with his strong portrayal. Although the movie’s ending and some plot developments may feel abrupt or insufficiently developed, The Dead Thing remains an engaging watch that is worth experiencing.
In The Dead Thing (2024), a neo-realist take on the classic Invisible Man tale, a young woman struggling with empty relationships falls for a charismatic man who harbors a dark secret. Their romance spirals into a dangerous obsession, blending contemporary urban legend with psychological horror.
Release Date: July 26, 2024
Director: Elric Kane
Cast: Blu Hunt, Ben Smith-Peterson, John Karna, Katherine Hughes, Joey Millin, Brennan Mejia, Aerial Washington, Josh Marble
Main Genre: Horror
What Is The Dead Thing About?
Alex, played by Blu Hunt, leads a rather mundane existence, working in a quiet office building while the city sleeps. Her attempts to forge meaningful connections through the dating app Friktion often result in repetitive, uninspiring encounters. The situation changes when she meets Kyle, leading to a night of intense connection and pleasure. However, Kyle’s sudden disappearance prompts Alex to obsessively search for him, only to find him on another date with no memory of her. The situation takes a darker turn as Alex discovers that Kyle has been involved in something supernatural and sinister, which complicates their relationship and makes Kyle increasingly dangerous.
There have been notable films exploring the darker side of modern dating, such as David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows, which tackles the risks of STDs, and Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation, which examines the perils of social gatherings. The Dead Thing delves into the monotony and dangers of app-based dating, illustrating that ghosting is just the beginning of more disturbing possibilities. It serves as a stark reminder that the person behind the swipe might harbor secrets beyond imagination.
While The Dead Thing effectively captures the oppressive atmosphere of the city and Alex’s disillusionment with her life, the film stumbles in its portrayal of certain plot twists and character developments. The initial depiction of Kyle is sympathetic, making their connection believable, but his sudden shift to a more menacing character feels abrupt and poorly motivated. The film’s final act mirrors the protagonist’s introduction but leaves some gaps in understanding the ultimate fates of key characters. Despite its strong tone and engaging performances, the lack of coherence in the climax diminishes the overall impact of the film.
Elric Kane’s The Dead Thing demonstrates impressive control over its tone and atmosphere, effectively conveying Alex’s sense of entrapment and despair. Blu Hunt’s standout performance adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the film’s emotional weight. However, the film’s climax lacks the grounding needed to make the escalating events feel like natural and tragic outcomes. Overall, The Dead Thing is a compelling and atmospheric film, but its final execution falls short of its promising setup.
