Swipe Right on Fear: The Dead Thing Trailer Will Make You Think Twice About Dating Apps!

Horror fans, prepare for a gripping and spine-tingling Valentine’s Day treat. Shudder has just dropped the official trailer for The Dead Thing, the highly anticipated supernatural horror feature directed by genre expert Elric Kane.

This dark, seductive, and haunting exploration of modern romance gone awry will stream exclusively on Shudder starting February 14, 2025.

A Supernatural Thriller Rooted in Modern Dating

At its core, The Dead Thing is a provocative examination of modern relationships and the perils of app-based dating. The story follows Alex (Katherine Hughes), a young woman navigating a bleak cycle of shallow hookups and lackluster connections. That all changes when she swipes right on Kyle (Blu Hunt), a mysterious and alluring stranger whose charm sweeps her off her feet.

What begins as a passionate one-night stand turns into an inexplicable mystery when Kyle vanishes without a trace by morning. Determined to find him, Alex embarks on a desperate search that not only leads her back to Kyle but also unearths a chilling supernatural secret. As their connection deepens, Alex and Kyle descend into an intoxicating whirlwind of obsession, dependency, and lust—one that spirals into devastating consequences that neither could have foreseen.

The film doesn’t just aim to scare—it delves into the human condition, highlighting themes of loneliness, infatuation, and the darker side of connection in the age of dating apps.

Elric Kane’s Vision: A Masterful Debut

The Dead Thing marks Elric Kane’s feature-length U.S. directorial debut, but Kane is no stranger to the world of cinema. Known for his in-depth commentary on genre films, Kane is the co-host of the Pure Cinema podcast, the official podcast of Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema, as well as Colors of the Dark, the official podcast for the legendary horror magazine Fangoria.

As a professor of film production and a scholar of horror, Kane brings an immense knowledge of the genre’s intricacies to his debut feature. Co-written by Kane and Webb Wilcoxen, the script balances an eerie, atmospheric tone with razor-sharp social commentary.

“The Dead Thing is a project I’ve wanted to tackle for a long time,” Kane explained in a statement. “It’s not just about scares—it’s about the haunting realities of our modern reliance on technology to forge relationships, and the way that reliance can open doors to unexpected darkness.”

An Exceptional Cast and Creative Team

The film features a talented ensemble cast that brings depth and nuance to the story:

• Katherine Hughes (My Dead Ex) as Alex, the protagonist whose search for connection leads her into dangerous territory.
• Blu Hunt (The New Mutants) as Kyle, the enigmatic stranger who holds a dark secret.
• Ben Smith-Petersen (Mad Max: Fury Road), John Karna (Scream: The TV Series), Brennan Mejia (Power Rangers Dino Charge), Joey Millin, and Aerial Washington round out the supporting cast.

Behind the camera, the creative team includes:

• Producers: Matt Mercer and Monte Yazzie
• Executive Producers: Rebekah McKendry and Blu Hunt
• Director of Photography: Iona Vasile
• Editor: Star Rosencrans

With a runtime of 95 minutes, the film promises a tight, well-paced narrative that doesn’t waste a second in drawing viewers into its unsettling world.

Critics Praise Kane’s Haunting Vision

Ahead of its release, The Dead Thing has already garnered significant acclaim from critics for its bold storytelling and unnerving atmosphere:

• “With its clever twists and turns, Kane has crafted a tight, tense film that also has a lot to say about our modern dating culture and how relationships have become so reliant on technology.” – Scott Phillips, Forbes
• “Sexy, sad, spooky, and distinctly unnerving. A scholar of film, and a professor of film production, Kane knows what he’s doing, and he uses everything he’s learned and taught to turn The Dead Thing into a debut feature worthy of discussion.”– J Hurtado, Screen Anarchy
• “Elric Kane’s debut is a confident plunge into the horrors of modern dating. I like an indie that’s both sexy and bloody, and at its core, The Dead Thing is just that.”– Chad Collins, Dread Central

What Makes The Dead Thing Unique

While the film’s supernatural elements are sure to captivate horror aficionados, it’s the underlying commentary on human connection—or the lack thereof—that sets it apart. Kane’s nuanced approach to modern dating culture taps into universal fears of rejection, obsession, and vulnerability, while amplifying them with supernatural terror.

By combining the relatable struggles of navigating romance in the digital age with bone-chilling horror, The Dead Thing resonates on both an emotional and visceral level.

Release Date and Streaming Details

Horror enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to experience this dark and haunting tale. The Dead Thing will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting Friday, February 14, 2025—making it the perfect unconventional Valentine’s Day watch.

Whether you’re a fan of supernatural horror, a lover of psychological thrillers, or simply in the mood for something bold and unsettling, The Dead Thing promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Watch the trailer now, and get ready to dive into the obsessions, dangers, and supernatural secrets lurking beneath the surface of modern love.