The Things (The Thing fanfiction)
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| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Things |
| Author(s): | Peter Watts |
| Date(s): | |
| Length: | 4,700 words |
| Genre: | Horror, science fiction |
| Fandom: | The Thing |
| External Links: | Clarkesworld Magazine |
Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
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Summary
Reception
Reviews
Though its answers will never be canon to me, Peter Watts' "The Things" deserves standing within the franchise that Campbell built. Fans of Carpenter's film should read it immediately, and then read it again.[1]
My immediate reaction is, basically, "This is the kind of gimmicky crap that annoys me when Neil Gaiman does it, and Watts is no Neil Gaiman." After a bit more thought, it's not as bad as that, but it's far from impressive.[2]
I didn't read "The Things" until last fall ... My reaction at the time was that it was a well-written story that depended too heavily on its source material ... Upon a second reading for this review, I want to modify that judgment a little. I still think that The Thing is too present within "The Things." There are too many scenes whose purpose is obviously to retell and alter the meaning of scenes from the movie, and whose emotional impact is lost on someone who hasn't watched it. But I don't think that the story depends on the film.[3]
However, this is no simple fan fiction. Watts uses what might have proved a hokey premise as a springboard for a thoughtful, chilling, and moving examination of humanity as both victim and monster. Knowledge of the source material adds layers to the tale but is not necessary for enjoyment.[4]
It’s very well-written, but in the end it amounts to an exercise in “from the point of view of a creepy alien, humans are the creepy aliens!” This is a pretty well-trodden path in science fiction.[5]
Recommended for readers who like to know a real outlandish alien. And for lovers of the film.[6]
Watts’ biology background lends the story a unique verisimilitude, while his skillful use of language produces a compelling narrative. The story sharply communicates the creature’s dread at discovering humanity’s values and terrors. The tale’s greatest triumph: One of the most disturbing and alien creations in cinema is made empathetic.[7]
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Hugo Awards | Best Short Story | Nominated |
| 2011 | Shirley Jackson Awards | Best Short Fiction | Won |
| 2011 | Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Awards | Best Short Science Fiction | Nominated |
| 2011 | BSFA Awards | Best Short Fiction | Nominated |
| 2010 | Parsec Awards | Short Fiction | Nominated |
External links
References
- ^ http://www.emagill.com/rants/eblog473-the-things-short-story-review.html
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20100831182002/http://scienceblogs.com/principles/2010/08/short_story_club_the_things_by.php
- ^ https://wrongquestions.blogspot.com/2011/05/2011-hugo-awards-short-story-shortlist.html
- ^ http://www.darkscribemagazine.com/reviews/the-things-peter-watts.html
- ^ https://matthilliard.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/the-things-by-peter-watts/
- ^ https://reiszwolf.wordpress.com/2020/12/14/the-things-2010-first-contact-short-story-by-peter-watts/
- ^ https://consideringstories.wordpress.com/2019/04/11/rude-biology-the-things-by-peter-watts/