New Horror Film "The Thing About"; Uses Homophobia as Terrifying Core

Director Adrian Guerra's debut feature, "The Thing About";, merges queer youth romance with supernatural thrills, centering its horror on homophobia. The film has garnered international acclaim, being hailed as one of the year's most highly-rated horror films, following in the vein of "The Deep House" and "Until Death."

Guerra, deeply influenced by horror cinema from a young age, cites classics such as "Halloween," "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and "The Thing" as inspirations. He also expresses a particular fondness for the slow-burn, oppressive atmosphere found in Japanese horror, with "Kwaidan" leaving a significant impression. "I watched many Japanese horror films, especially the old horror film "Kwaidan," which was the first time I saw a movie fuse jealousy and desire, then transform it into a horror film. It was very impressive," Guerra shared, noting subtle nods to Japanese horror woven throughout "The Thing About";.

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I watched many Japanese horror films, especially the old horror film "Kwaidan," which was the first time I saw a movie fuse jealousy and desire, then transform it into a horror film. It was very impressive.

Beyond supernatural elements, "The Thing About"; directly confronts homophobic violence in the real world. Guerra deliberately included a parking lot assault scene, opting for a direct depiction of homophobia's darkest aspects rather than relying on metaphor. He described this scene as the most challenging to film, not only due to the logistical complexities of traffic and stunts but also its profound emotional weight. "The weight this scene carries is completely different from supernatural elements. As a director and as a human being, I truly felt a sense of fear," Guerra stated, emphasizing that such scenes are rooted in real experiences.

The film's narrative follows Naim, who moves to a conservative religious town with his mother after his father's death. There, he develops a forbidden romance with Ryan. Their secret is exposed by Hunter, the pastor's son, leading Hunter's parents to seek an exorcist to "correct" their desires. However, the ritual unleashes a malevolent supernatural force that preys on the characters' deepest fears and desires, blurring the lines between love and terror. Naim must ultimately choose between love and fear when confronted by a terrifying entity that may appear as his beloved or his worst nightmare.

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The weight this scene carries is completely different from supernatural elements. As a director and as a human being, I truly felt a sense of fear.