The Dead Thing Review: a bleak look at dating apps

Directed by Elric Kane in his solo feature debut, The Dead Thing is a supernatural horror film that explores the dark underbelly of modern dating through the lens of sexual obsession. The horror movie follows Alex (Blu Hunt), a young woman stuck in a cycle of meaningless flings facilitated by dating apps, until she meets the enigmatic Kyle (Ben Smith-Petersen). Their whirlwind romance takes a sinister turn when Kyle suddenly vanishes, only to return weeks later drastically changed, drawing Alex and those around her into a nightmarish spiral of infatuation and despair.

The film's greatest strength lies in Blu Hunt's mesmerizing central performance. Hunt delivers a raw, visceral portrayal of Alex, dominating the screen with her sexually charged and deeply vulnerable performance. The actress is literally stripped bare, both physically and emotionally, in a tour de force that keeps the audience engaged even when the story falters.

While the narrative may feel familiar at times, taking its cues from films like Fear and Nina Forever, The Dead Thing manages to inject enough fresh elements to keep things interesting. The supernatural horror elements, while slow to emerge, eventually take the story to some dark and unsettling places. The film also benefits from excellent cinematography that lends a slick, stylish look to the proceedings.

However, the story is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven, with the film taking its time to fully embrace its horror elements. Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, with the focus firmly on Alex's journey.

The Dead Thing is a solid entry in the supernatural horror genre, elevated by Blu Hunt's powerful performance and Elric Kane's confident direction. While it may not break new ground, the film offers a fresh take on the dangers of obsession in the modern dating landscape.

A portrait of modern dating

The Dead Thing draws inspiration from films Fear and Nina Forever , because both movies explore sexual obsession. The film offers a fresh take on the dangers of dating in the modern age. Director Elric Kane injects supernatural horror elements into a familiar story, creating a slick, stylish look at the dark underbelly of app-enabled hookup culture.

The film's protagonist, Alex, is fed up with the superficial love relationships that dating apps offer. This reflects the current reality for many young people navigating the modern dating landscape, where traditional courtship has been replaced by swiping through profiles and arranging casual encounters.

Alex's journey is marked by a sense of emotional possession, where her identity becomes intertwined with Kyle's. This possession is not merely metaphorical; it takes on a supernatural quality as the film progresses, illustrating how deeply infatuated relationships can consume individuals. The horror elements serve to externalize the internal struggles faced by those navigating the complexities of modern romance, making the film's supernatural elements a powerful commentary on emotional entanglement in dating.

The horror movie presents a supernaturally distorted lens through which modern dating is viewed. The chaos that ensues from Alex's relationship with Kyle highlights the unpredictability and potential dangers of online dating, where initial attraction can quickly spiral into obsession and despair. This distortion serves to heighten the tension and suspense, making the audience question what is real and what is a manifestation of the characters' fears and desire

The Dead Thing takes this premise to a nightmarish extreme. When Alex meets the mysterious Kyle and they embark on a troubled romance, his sudden disappearance and return as a different man draws her into a supernatural spiral of obsession. This supernatural twist takes the film beyond the usual pitfalls of modern dating and into the realm of horror.

While the film may not break new ground narratively, its stylish visuals, supernatural elements, and strong central performance elevate it above a typical cautionary tale about the dangers of modern dating. The Dead Thing offers a fresh, unsettling perspective on the perils of sexual obsession in the age of dating apps.