The Dead Thing: Elric Kane’s Bold Dive into Erotic Thrillers

If you’re into steamy thrillers with a dark edge, The Dead Thing is a 2024 erotic thriller that you won’t want to miss. Directed and co-written by Elric Kane (with Webb Wilcoxen), this movie takes you on a wild ride through the shadowy streets of Los Angeles.

At its heart? A woman who becomes consumed by the mysterious disappearance of a barista she met on a blind date. Yeah, things get deep, fast.

Who Is Elric Kane? His Directorial Journey

Elric Kane isn’t exactly a newcomer, but The Dead Thing is his first time in the solo director’s chair for a feature film. Born in New York and raised in New Zealand, Kane’s career is anything but boring. He’s dipped his toes in a bit of everything, from making low-budget digital films to teaching film studies.

Back in the early 2000s, Kane worked with filmmaker Alexander Greenhough on a trio of indie films tied to the Aro Valley Film Movement in New Zealand. If that sounds niche, it’s because it is—but Kane loved the raw, grassroots vibe of it all. In 2010, he made a documentary about that scene, hilariously titled Campbell Walker Is a Friend of Mine.

Fast forward to the present: Kane’s resume includes hosting podcasts like Shock Waves (for horror fans, courtesy of Blumhouse) and Pure Cinema Podcast (for movie nerds, via Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema). Oh, and as of mid-2023, he’s also shaping young minds as the Academic Department Director of Film at AMDA College of the Performing Arts.

Let’s Talk About The Dead Thing

So, what makes The Dead Thing different? Kane wanted this film to feel raw, intimate, and a little unpolished in the best way possible. His main goal was to show Los Angeles in a way that feels authentic—quiet, eerie, and often a little desolate. Think Collateral but with a spicy twist.

The Dead Thing Cast: More Than Meets the Eye

Kane’s casting choices were refreshingly outside the box. Instead of the typical “Hollywood look,” he went for actors who brought something real and unique to the table.

• Blu Hunt as Alex: Remember Blu Hunt from The New Mutants? Kane chose her as his leading lady, Alex, because she’s got a look that stands out and a vibe that feels authentic. Apparently, her Instagram posts sealed the deal for Kane—her intense, captivating gaze was exactly what he envisioned for Alex.

• Ben Smith-Petersen as Kyle: (Fun fact) Ben started his career as a stuntman and even shaved his head for Furiosa. Kane spotted his sensitive side during an audition and knew he’d bring a cool mix of physicality and emotion to the role of Kyle.

• John Karna: You might recognize Karna from the Scream TV series. Kane loved his fresh energy and dedication—Karna even listened to Kane’s podcast to get inside the director’s mind before shooting!

• Katherine Hughes: Hughes is a triple threat—an actress, writer, and director. She’s been in everything from Me and Earl and the Dying Girl to Tell Me Lies. For The Dead Thing, she brought a layered performance that added even more depth to the story.

Where and When You Can Watch The Dead Thing?

The Dead Thing has been making the rounds at film festivals. It premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 26, 2024, followed by a stint at the UK’s FrightFest and the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in the U.S.

The film had its U.S. theatrical release on February 11, 2025. But if you’re not into theaters, no worries—it’s hitting Shudder (the go-to streaming platform for horror and thrillers) and Australian streaming platforms on February 14, 2025. So, mark your calendar for a Valentine’s Day that’s equal parts thrilling and unsettling.

What Makes The Dead Thing Stand Out?

Sure, the film dives into eroticism, but Kane insists it’s not just about sex—it’s about connection. He wanted the chemistry between the characters to feel authentic and the city of Los Angeles to be a silent character in its own right. The nighttime shots of LA are hauntingly beautiful, almost making you feel like the city is alive, watching everything unfold.

Kane drew inspiration from films like Collateral, which famously used LA as a backdrop to amplify the story’s tension. And with The Dead Thing, Kane takes things a step further, crafting a narrative that’s equal parts seductive and sinister.

---

The Dead Thing isn’t just a movie; it’s a bold introduction to Elric Kane’s unique voice in filmmaking. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, indie cinema, or just want something off the beaten path, this film is definitely worth your time.