A Terrifying Halloween Movie Double Feature: The Ideal Choice
Experience the ultimate horror double bill for Halloween night! Dive into the realms of fear with 'The Thing' and 'Little Shop of Horrors' These gripping classics, based on earlier works, will keep you at the edge of your seat as the fate of the world hangs in the balance Brace yourself for a chilling and thrilling cinematic journey!
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Picking a movie for Halloween night is a challenge; you need scares and laughs. The ideal double feature is John Carpenter's The Thing and Frank Oz's Little Shop of Horrors.
The Thing and Little Shop of Horrors are both '80s classics known for their incredible creature effects. These cosmic horror tales not only feature creatures, but also originated as adaptations from earlier works. The two films share common design elements and parallel plots, depicting an alien menace that poses a threat to humanity.
When it comes to Halloween movie selection, it's not as easy as many think. To create the perfect Halloween theater experience, one must consider both scares and fun. Therefore, to ensure a flawless night, opt for a movie that balances fear and laughter. While there are some great choices like the Scream and Child's Play franchises, the safest bet is a double feature. The challenge lies in selecting a creative and fitting combination. If you're struggling to find the perfect pairing for your Halloween night, fear not, we have the solution. Whether you're planning a movie night with friends or a creepy solo evening, why not pair two unexpected movies together: John Carpenter's The Thing and Frank Oz's Little Shop of Horrors.
Yes, this suggestion might seem wild at first, but hear us out. These movies actually share many similarities in origin, premise, and format. When viewed side by side, they create an amazing blend of screams and laughs for a movie marathon. The order of the movies can even be adjusted based on how you want to start or end your night. If you want something light to set the mood while enjoying some drinks with friends, begin with Little Shop of Horrors and end with The Thing. If you prefer to avoid going to bed alone with too much fear, watch The Thing first and then finish with Little Shop of Horrors. Regardless of the order, you can be confident that you'll have a fantastic night. After all, even if these movies have nothing in common, they are still highly entertaining works of art.
What Are ‘The Thing’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ About?
Image via Universal Pictures
Prepare yourself for a night of cosmic horror with the Little Shop of Horrors/The Thing combination. In the 1982 film The Thing, a group of men on a US government expedition to the South Pole encounter a horrifying shape-shifting creature. Led by helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady (played by Kurt Russell), they find themselves trapped in their station, surrounded by snow and facing this extraterrestrial threat. As the creature picks them off one by one, paranoia sets in as they can't be certain who among them is still human.
In contrast, the 1986 film Little Shop of Horrors takes the alien terror to the heart of the city. Seymour Krelborn (portrayed by Rick Moranis), an employee at a plant store and amateur botanist, stumbles upon a peculiar plant after a solar eclipse. He names it Audrey II in honor of his co-worker Audrey (played by Ellen Greene), only to realize that the plant possesses consciousness, a voice (performed by Levi Stubbs), and an insatiable thirst for human blood. Seymour is unwillingly transformed into a murderer, forced to kill in order to keep his beloved plant alive and thriving while also experiencing unexpected success.
Both 'The Thing' and "Little Shop of Horrors' Are Based on Earlier Works
Image via Warner Bros.
Both movies have their origins in the monster flicks of the 1950s to early 1960s. However, there is a slight distinction. The Thing is based on the 1938 novella Who Goes There?, written by John W. Campbell. Yet, the story had already been adapted for the screen in 1951 titled The Thing from Another World. On the other hand, Little Shop of Horrors is a musical adaptation of the 1960 horror comedy film of the same name, directed by Roger Corman. It would be interesting to have a double feature of these two movies, but that's a topic for another article.
If you are not familiar with The Thing and Little Shop of Horrors, the above paragraph hints that the two movies have starkly different tones. The Thing is a claustrophobic horror with elements of action like gunshots and explosions. Meanwhile, Little Shop of Horrors is a musical comedy with songs about sadistic dentists and consuming human flesh. This contrast is what makes the two movies ideal for a Halloween double bill, as they encompass the essence and enjoyment of the holiday in various ways.
How Are The Thing’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Similar?
Image via Universal Pictures
Opposites may attract, but these two films go beyond their differences and share many similarities. Both movies are considered classics from the 80s era. Little Shop of Horrors is widely regarded as the greatest musical of the decade, while The Thing is hailed as the top space horror film, even though it initially performed poorly at the box office before gaining popularity through home video releases.
But being among the best of their time is not the only thing that sets these films apart. Both The Thing and Little Shop of Horrors showcase impressive creature effects, relying heavily on rubber and makeup. Whether it's the chilling Antarctic setting brought to life by art director John J. Lloyd in The Thing, or the puppets crafted by Lyle Conway to inhabit the worn-down Skid Row in Little Shop of Horrors, viewers will be amazed by the incredible creations that human hands can produce. Prepare to be both marvelled and slightly disgusted.
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Audrey II and the bodies possessed by the unnamed creature in The Thing share similarities in design. Looking into the plant's mouth, it feels reminiscent of the open cavities of the creature when it reveals itself. Similarly, when the creature attacks the dogs at the research station, its opening resembles a blossoming flower, albeit a repulsive one. While it is not enough evidence to claim inspiration, it is apparent that both artists drew from the same source - the classic monster feature.
The plots of Little Shop of Horrors and The Thing also bear some resemblances, specifically on a superficial level. Although the details of the plots differ, the basic concept remains the same. In both movies, an alien intelligence dismantles a human community by using human puppets for their own purposes. However, the hosts in The Thing are completely possessed and undergo biological alterations, whereas Audrey II merely deceives and manipulates. Additionally, both films feature protagonists who are unable to seek help from others. Whether stranded in the South Pole due to a snowstorm and lack of radio signal, or trapped in Skid Row with the burden of their own creation, the characters find themselves isolated.
The Entire World Is at Stake in These Classic Horror Movies
Image via Warner Bros.
Both the thing and Audrey II, despite being separate entities, pose a significant threat, not only to their immediate surroundings but also to the entire human race. The Thing's Doctor Blair strongly emphasizes that if even one cell of the creature were to infiltrate civilized areas, it would inevitably lead to the destruction of humanity. Likewise, in Little Shop of Horrors, executive Patrick Martin's scheme to distribute Audrey II buds worldwide holds the potential for a global catastrophe.
In regards to the conclusions of the movies, without giving away too much, both endings leave room for interpretation whether it spells doom for the Earth as a whole. However, this interpretation may vary depending on the version of Little Shop of Horrors you watch. While the theatrical cut is the most widely known, there is a director's cut available on DVD and Blu-Ray that leaves no doubt about the Earth's impending destruction.
But the most tragic rendition of Little Shop of Horrors still manages to be a hilarious experience, sharing enough similarities with The Thing to create a perfect Halloween combination. And if you need further persuasion, imagine the joyous singalong moments that Little Shop of Horrors will offer you. Whether you choose to enjoy it alone or with friends, prepare to relax and passionately sing some Menken and Ashman classics. Simply head to Spotify and YouTube to familiarize yourself with the songs beforehand. And, let's admit it, how often do you get the chance to participate in a Halloween singalong? You can stream The Thing on Peacock and find Little Shop of Horrors on Max.
