The Dead Thing Movie: A Dark Character Analysis of Obsession and Ghostly Romance

Disclaimer: This movie review contains spoilers.

Despite its impressive 4.8 rating on IMDb, I had to experience The Dead Thing movie for myself. The film, clearly aimed at a 20-30-year-old audience, dives into modern dating’s murky waters with a dark, offbeat twist.

In-Depth Look at The Dead Thing Movie’s Character Flaws

Right from the start, Alex’s dialogue in The Dead Thing movie feels woefully superficial. After meeting Kyle on a dating app, she impulsively invites him over—spending a day together before heading off to work, leaving a directionless Kyle behind. In a time when ambition matters, who really wants a partner without a career or any realistic plans?

"Trapped between the digital and the supernatural, The Dead Thing movie haunts modern dating with eerie obsession. Are we swiping into something we can’t escape?

Over the next few days, Alex bombards Kyle with unanswered texts. When her coworker Mark shows interest, she dismisses him and quickly returns to the dating app for another potential match. But the real issue is her all-consuming obsession with Kyle. Even while on a date, she spies him at a bar with another woman, and instead of seizing the moment to connect with her current company, she stalks them. Later, she confronts the woman about Kyle—as if a casual encounter should automatically mean exclusivity. Seriously, no one signs up for a long-term commitment based on a single night out!

How The Dead Thing Movie Exposes Toxic Obsession and Dating Pitfalls

The film takes an unexpected supernatural twist when it’s revealed that Kyle is actually dead—having been struck by a car while interacting with yet another connection on the dating app. Despite this grim revelation, Alex continues her intimate liaison with him. As Kyle lingers in a spectral state, his demeanor grows darker and more possessive, clinging to Alex in a way that blurs the line between love and obsession.

The narrative lays bare the emptiness that drives individuals to seek fulfillment externally. Alex’s desperate need for validation mirrors the toxic behavior she criticizes in others. Whether it’s her derisive remark toward her roommate Cara—who is tangled in her own rocky relationship—or her unyielding fixation on a dead Kyle, The Dead Thing movie suggests that when you lack a clear sense of self, you’re doomed to chase any semblance of meaning, even if it destroys you.

In a world dominated by dating apps, nothing is ever as it seems. Inviting someone into your home without proper scrutiny is a gamble, and casual encounters shouldn’t be mistaken for lasting commitment. One minute, someone might seem devoted; the next, they’re back on the app. The film’s brutal honesty serves as a wake-up call: maintain your values and don’t let fleeting desires compromise your standards.

Ultimately, The Dead Thing movie doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It boldly explores themes of self-identity, contentment, obsession, and the hazards of modern dating. In a landscape where quick fixes and superficial connections prevail, the movie reminds us that true fulfillment comes from within—and that sometimes, the very thing you’re chasing ends up mirroring your darkest self.