E. Colpitts

For me, this is an instant cult classic. IMO, character development is the most crucial aspect of each story, & this story's characters are categorically convincing, as well as satisfying. Coincidingly, the storyline, setting, etc., complement the characters' performances to provide us with a truly memorable rush. Then there are the treats as they surprise us with a few "Easter Eggs" along the way. (Those are so much fun!) They add depth & give us a way to connect (like an "inside" joke or secret). Though "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" & even R.A. Heinlein's "Puppet Masters" weren't entirely Easter Eggs, we can imagine similar stories like, "The Thing," (with Kurt Russell)... Loss of perspective (worsened by fear), body horror & favoring the social outsider: Nerd (Casey) & Helicopter Pilot (McCready) as the Protagonists. LOVE THIS. 🥰 Then there are more subtle surprises: Principal Drake & the Drake equation, which represents the number of possible intelligent alien lifeforms in our galaxy. (My inner nerd loves this, too.) 🤓

I haven't read the story, so I have nothing to add based on any comparison. However, I did find the movie entertaining enough to want a sequel. While some consider this to be a lesser version of similar stories, I applaud the attention given to these universally significant tropes.

There are movies that you see once & really like, but they're not the kind you'd want to watch whenever. THIS movie IS watchable anytime. Admittedly, I am partial to the setting, the premise & the actors. Still, this movie shows more than an us-against-them (& even man-against-monster) scenario. It effectively demonstrates man's destructive nature as well as his unrepentant apathy for others, whatever species they may be. SPOILER ALERT: (Occasionally I still cry when the beast dies. It is, after all, the last of its kind.)

Although I missed the first few episodes (because we didn't have epix), I've glimpsed storyline pieces through timely flashbacks. Immediately, I felt a distinct Stephen King vibe & began recording this show. As long as it continues to capture its audience with its brutally-insightful character development & its harrowing plot trajectory, this Horror gem will persevere. Conceivably, it could eventually reach cult-classic status.

Initially, I thought this movie would struggle to get 3/5 stars. However, I stuck w/ it & found that it was worth my time. Taking in account each character's role, how they are portrayed & how they develop throughout the storyline, one can appreciate the dual nature within all of us, while recognizing how easy it is to still judge these 'books' by their 'covers.'