John Carpenter's "The Thing" is a 1982 science fiction horror film that follows a group of researchers in Antarctica who encounter a shape-shifting alien. The creature can imitate any living being, leading to paranoia and distrust among the team as they struggle to identify who is still human. The film is known for its groundbreaking special effects and tense atmosphere, creating a sense of isolation and fear. It stars Kurt Russell as the lead character, MacReady, and has since become a cult classic, influencing many other works in the horror and science fiction genres.