Going into a year-long stay at an Antarctic research base, scientists would do well to pack for the extended stay, including things for entertainment. Let's just hope none of the South African scientists at the Sanae IV base crammed John Carpenter's The Thing in with their belongings.
The 80's sci-fi thriller comes to mind because of a situation currently unfolding. Don't fret—aliens aren't invading. There is, however, an antarctic research team trapped without any hopes of rescue. Not only that, but one member has attacked the others. Details are scarce and still rolling in, though the sounds of what's transpired are oddly similar to Carpenter's movie.
Between the team leader and an associate having a verbal/physical altercation in close quarters, and not knowing if there'll be another outburst, it's very tense at the station. Considering that there's also no rescue if someone on the team loses their mind only adds to the pressure. Because while the Sanae IV scientists have people to retrieve them, it wouldn't happen right away. They're in Antarctica, after all. And a lot can transpire in a short amount of time, as seen in The Thing.
Fortunately, an update has come in that cooler heads have prevailed. Tempers have settled and they're getting prepped for the long haul of Winter. The dark months are approaching, so it's a plus that Sanae IV has taken care of the dissent in their midst. Antarctica is notoriously known for being shuttered in darkness for a large portion of the year; that time begins around April.
It's worth mentioning that while the crisis at Sanae IV has been averted, nothing says another incident won't happen. One of the fears expressed by the South African crew was that they were "constantly wondering if they might become the next victim." The mention of "disturbing behavior" also warranted that authorities go out and check on the team, but updates from them claim all is well.
The good news is South Africa's research team only has to worry about each other, and not aliens. Part of the reason that the fictional scientists in Carpenter's film get taken apart so easily is an alien parasite preys on their weaknesses, like fear. Rational people in today's world know how to cope, but in a sci-fi universe where the villain knows how to push your buttons, remaining calm is a nearly impossible challenge to overcome.
The paranoia alone was enough to push anyone over the edge. Then, grappling with a creature whose only objective is to sow dissent. MacReady (Kurt Russell) and the others had their jobs cut out for them. Thankfully, the real-world scientists in Antarctica aren't concerned with an alien parasite possessing their colleagues.
The Thing returns to streaming on March 31, 2025. It'll be available on Tubi.