Ghosting Gets Deadly in Shudder’s The Dead Thing (2025)
Title: The Dead Thing
First Non-Festival Release: February 11, 2025 (Limited Theatrical Release)
Director: Elric Kane
Writer: Elric Kane, Webb Wilcoxen
Runtime: 94 Minutes
Starring: Katherine Hughes, Blu Hunt, Ben Smith-Petersen
Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here
In the age of internet dating, ghosting has turned into a popular tactic of ending relationships at any stage without initiating a difficult yet ultimately necessary conversation. Situationships, dating applications and websites, and casual indifference boils one of the most human experiences down to its worst tendencies.
Caught in a string of unfulfilling short-term romances and flings, Alex (Blu Hunt) finds herself suddenly smitten with Kyle (Ben Smith-Peterson), a bartender she meets on Friction. Their first date leads to a passionate night-long affair and ends with the pair parting ways for work the following night. Alex’s newfound belief in romance is crushed when Kyle doesn’t respond to any of her subsequent messages and almost dies completely after she spots him on a date with another woman. Once she does more digging, Alex discovers that Kyle isn’t all that he appears to be.
A slow-burn, erotic, supernatural thriller, The Dead Thing is a solid examination on the perilous state of modern dating.
Alex is a compelling yet elusive character, always on the precipice of understanding what she wants versus what she needs. It’s clear through her interactions that Alex is desperately seeking connection, even if it comes in the form of one night stands. Her commitment to seeing through date after date, no matter how empty she feels afterwards, makes it more understandable how transfixed she is on Kyle. He’s charming, considerate, and knows all the right things to say and do. That might be what she wants, but is that what she needs? While she tries to move on from Kyle’s initial ghosting, Alex discovers other pieces of her life that are missing: a stronger relationship with her roommate and former best friend, a job that truly fulfills her, and a sense of purpose and direction. All things that a man won’t necessarily bring to her life. It’s clear throughout The Dead Thing that Kyle’s influence on her life actively diminishes these needs.
[SPOILERS]
It’s impossible to detach The Dead Thing from its roots in modern dating, and Kyle makes an excellent stand-in for the distant, irritating, and terrifying people that wander through life not caring who they hurt. Initially unaware of his actions until he is forced to reckon with his death, Kyle wanders through a similar cycle of passionate date nights that end as soon as he disappears from view. His literal manifestation as a ghost showcases the similar haunting loop he cannot break free from leading to his confusion, frustration, and ultimately violence when he cannot regain control over his life. “Why would you do this to me?” Kyle asks Alex this question after she inadvertently wakes him up to this cycle and disrupts his carefree approach to hurting others unintentionally. His inability to see how his actions harm others serves as an excellent mirror to those who date without considering the needs and feelings of others. His escalated obsession and violence take on a more lethal form of dating violence that is still not taken seriously enough.
[/SPOILERS]
Before steering into its inevitably violent conclusion, The Dead Thing ensures that its romance feels organic and earned through the pair’s brief, tumultuous affair. Blu Hunt and Ben Smith-Peterson’s chemistry makes the initial fling between the characters, and subsequent get-togethers, both erotic and romantic. Their micro-expressions and physicality really sells Alex and Kyle as a would-be couple, making the ensuing events all-the-more tragic and unsettling. The give and take between Alex and Kyle, as each of their obsessions take different turns, allow for the tension to boil over before the relationship disintegrates before the audience’s eyes.
Hampered by its pacing and lack of definitive rules, The Dead Thing struggles to find its footing in its overall story progression. Dreamy in its languid approach to storytelling, The Dead Thing finds itself a victim to its own slow start. Blending the madness of 70s supernatural horror with the eroticism of the 90s, The Dead Thing struggles to find the right pacing to make it pay off. By the time it reaches its more horrific points, the action doesn’t quite reach the heights necessary to make it affecting. Its dream logic approach to why this is happening can also be frustrating even for the patient and forgiving viewers. While it doesn’t need to be spelled out, Kyle’s actions never are given a satisfying answer, or implication, making the downbeat finale not seem as polished.
A few plot issues here and there don’t stop The Dead Thing from being an enjoyable and, at times, clever spin on modern dating. The ghost as a metaphor for ghosting may sound too on-the-nose, but writer/director Elric Kane crafts an emotionally striking narrative that seeks to understand the impulses driving relationship woes. Interesting characters and a knack for building atmospheric chills, The Dead Thing is a solid indie horror film that deserves a once-over. Who knows? What if swiping through Shudder’s catalogue could bring you the next great adventure of your life?
Overall Score? 7/10
