31 Days of Drafts and Darkness:

"The Thing" (1982)

When talking creature features and effects-driven films, you can't leave out John Carpenter's remake of "The Thing from Another World". Not only does the film keep all the dark suspense of the original, but also features a stunning array of animatronic and practical makeup effects. With equal parts psychological thrill and splatter, "The Thing" has established itself as a horror classic.

The Plot:

At an Antarctic research facility, a band of scientists stumble upon a dog in the icy wilderness. They first witness the animal fleeing a helicopter and are shocked to find the pilots shooting at the animal. Unfortunately, an accident destroys the chopper and crew before they can explain why they found the pooch to be such a threat. Not about to leave the poor animal stranded in the frozen wasteland, the crew takes it back to their kennels at the research station.

That night, the 'dog' reveals itself as a shape-shifting alien that can mimic any organism it makes contact with. Thus, it's not only fully capable of killing the scientists but can also pose as its own victims and blend in. Once the scientists figure this out, the creature's been loose for hours and folks have already started disappearing. With an alien able to assume the likeness of its victims, who does one trust?

How does our band of heroes know the Thing isn't already among their group, just waiting for the moment to strike?

Making matters worse, it's trying to rebuild its ship and head towards civilization. If that happens, finding and stopping it would be practically impossible. With loyalties brought into question, can these researchers determine who's the alien and stop it in time?

The Flavor:

The tiny research facility is just as cold and claustrophobic as the overall tone of "The Thing". With ample dark corridors, the alien could literally be around any corner. What's worse, it might show up as your best friend before attacking.

This sense of paranoia, of not being able to trust anyone, gives the film its psychological teeth. Because the creature could feasibly be any member of the cast at anytime, whenever two people are alone together, you can't help but wonder if one of them is in big trouble. Similarly, when all in a group, the scientists begin to fall apart under accusations and false assumptions about who is who. What makes this all so powerful is that the entire cast plays their roles of research team well, coming to quick terms about what's going on and responding with the intelligent level of precaution. Even if tensions fly, everyone gets that they can't let this menace reach society. 

Unfortunately for them, the Thing is more durable than it appears. It's not a single entity, but rather a communal organism composed of many microscopic creatures acting in sync. Thus, even if you manage to figure out who the Thing is, shooting them or chopping their head off won't do any good. The severed head will simply sprout legs and skitter away. You have to destroy the beast at the cellular level. Enter the flamethrowers.

The biological aspects of the creature's existence open the door to a buffet of amazing practical effects. When the Thing assumes the shape of a victim, all rules of anatomy are thrown out the window. What results is a mass of twisted flesh and multiple limbs flailing in all directions before the alien is able to fully transform. These effects are equal parts interesting and disturbing. You're amazed at the artistic design and engineering behind making such impossible sights come to life, but absolutely horrified at the mockery of flesh and blood thrashing about it front of you.

When you combine mounting paranoia with these grotesque displays, the result is a delicious combo of sheer terror and spectacle. That "The Thing" was made more than 30 years ago and yet it's creature FX and animatronics still look so real, so disturbing, is a testament to the talent of all involved. As disgusted as you are, you can't help but be engrossed. What shape this creature will assume next?

It's because of this feat of practical effects and how convincingly "The Thing" pulls them off that I had no interest in checkout out the 2011 prequel, which mainly used CGI. Even when sharply detailed, computer imagery cannot match the presence of having an actual monster in front of you, even if it is only a construct of latex and machine. The filmmakers know how to bring it to life.

Best Paired with:

Any fan of the horror should already have "The Thing" checked off their list of necessary viewing. If not, rent this film immediately, turn off the lights, and enjoy. You'll dig the dual elements of suspenseful intrigue mixed with gory delight. It's like a chocolate and peanut butter combo for fans of all things scary.

For casual viewers, I'd still recommend "The Thing" just for the sheer display of art going on with the makeup. Yes, it's gross, but you can't help but marvel at the technical aspects that went into turning props into such convincing aliens. You'll also love the suspense at not knowing who to trust and where the real danger lies. The cast are no band of dim-witted teen slasher-fodder. They're intelligent and rugged individuals who take no chances. That the Thing is able to destroy so many of them shows how dangerous it is rather than how incompetent these guys are. It makes the threat so much more effective.

Accompanying Brew:

For a horror classic, I recommend a classic representation of a seasonal stand-by.

Harpoon's Octoberfest keeps things simple. Instead of going for a blast of spices and pumpkin flavor, it opts to harken back to more traditional German autumn brews. Don't expect a barrage of fancy flavors or gimmicks. Instead, realize that this beer is all about giving you the maximum taste with traditional ingredients.  

Octoberfest pours a lovely amber, deeply red and coppery in color. The initial scent will fill your nostrils with malty nirvana. If you're a malt-fan like I am, you'll know this beer is tasty based on scent alone. The first sip will hit you with a nutty blend of malt-goodness before a hoppy note moves in to join the initial flavor. The hops balance out the ample malts nicely, preventing the beer from ever getting cloying, and also providing a mild but refreshing bite towards the latter half of each sip. There's no fancy additive or flavors in Harpoon's seasonal Octoberfest. Only traditional ingredients used to make for a quality Fall amber brew.

If you're in the mood for classic, pure horror with practical effects, "The Thing" makes for great viewing. Similarly, if you're feeling a classic style of beer with no gimmicks but that delivers rich flavor with old-school ingredients, check out Harpoon's Octoberfest.