Human or shapeshifting alien: the ending of "the thing" explored

There is a rabbit hole of debates and online forums dedicated to finding the truth about the infamous and controversial ending of the 1982 film "The Thing" directed by John Carpenter. So let's take a look at some of the more popular theories online and explore them further.

Universal Pictures/"The Thing"(1982)

What is ‘The Thing’?

Although I am sure you know what the film is if you clicked on this post, I am going to explain the premise of the film in the simplest way with the simplest terms possible. You can find a synopsis of the film here, but alas-here we go: the film, at its core, is about an alien creature than can shapeshift into the form of any living animal. For instance, the beginning of the movie shows a husky that has come from a nearby Norwegian base. The story behind that base and its eventual downfall due to the creature is explained in the 2011 prequel film, which I don’t have the energy to entertain at the moment (it’s not that good). Essentially, the alien had been frozen and thawed out-escaping and wreaking havoc on the Norwegian base.

The husky (Spoiler alert: shapeshifting alien, not a dog) escapes from the base and is taken in by an American research team, after which it attacks members of the team and assumes their identity-picking off people one at a time. The alien can perfectly assimilate with its victims and shapeshift into them, but there are certain things that identify a ‘copy’ rather than a real person.

What Makes the Ending Controversial?

The controversy surrounding the ending comes when only two characters are left alive. Both characters have the possibility of being the alien, but no clear explanation is given. Many fans speculate that one or the other is in fact the alien, and there are many theories as to who is the alien and why.

What Are the Theories?

One of the most prominent theories was started by the cinematographer of the film, Dean Cundley. The theory suggests that a gleam of light can be seen in the eyes of those that have been assimilated by the alien throughout the film, and especially in the ending scene where MacReady and Childs are the only ones remaining. The light gleam can be seen in Childs’ eyes, and those who subscribe to this theory believe him to be hosting the alien. John Carpenter, as stated by ‘Variety’, says that Cundley is incorrect and that ‘only he knows’. For this theory, it seems to be a bust-but there are other theories.

Another common theory surmises that Childs is the alien, just simply because when he is seen breathing you can not see his breath in the cold-as you can see MacReady’s breath in the ending scene. Keith David, who played Childs in the film, has stated that there would be no breath visible from his mouth because of the excess heat after the research station burns down. His view on the ending can be found here, but he remains pretty adamant in his defense of the ending.

Universal Pictures/"The Thing"(1982)

Well, Who Was It?

Unfortunately for us, the viewers, a clear answer on who ‘The Thing’ claimed by the end of the movie may never be given or found. The truth is that Carpenter meant for the ambiguous ending, and seems to enjoy watching the speculation and conspiracy amongst fans of the film.

If you haven’t had the chance to watch the film, it’s a suspenseful but rewarding watch. It may be somewhat antiquated in terms of effects, but it’s become a classic sci-fi horror flick despite its unwelcomeness when it first released.

As always, take care and safe travels!

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-Ethan Fletcher, signing off