Finding out who exactly makes up the cast of the Dead Thing film isn't as straightforward as looking up the latest Marvel blockbuster. This is indie horror. It’s gritty. It’s raw. The film, directed by Elric Kane, has been making waves in the festival circuit—specifically at Fantasia—because it takes the concept of "ghosting" in modern dating and turns it into a literal, terrifying nightmare. It's basically a neo-noir infused with supernatural dread.
Honestly, the performances are what keep this movie from feeling like just another "monster in the room" flick. Without the right actors, a story about a woman falling for a man who might be a literal corpse would just feel... goofy. But it doesn't. It feels heavy.
The Core Players: Blu Hunt and Ben Lamb
At the heart of the cast of the Dead Thing film, you have Blu Hunt. You probably recognize her from The New Mutants or The Originals. In Dead Thing, she plays Alex, a young woman lost in the shallow, repetitive cycle of online dating. She’s looking for a spark but mostly finds disappointment. Hunt brings this palpable exhaustion to the role. It’s a performance rooted in loneliness. When she meets Kyle, played by Ben Lamb, the vibe shifts instantly.
Lamb is interesting here. If you've seen A Christmas Prince, this is a total 180. There is something fundamentally "off" about Kyle. He’s charming, sure, but there’s a coldness to him that Lamb plays with chilling subtlety. He doesn't go over the top with "creepy guy" tropes. Instead, he just feels slightly detached from reality, which makes the eventual reveal of his true nature much more effective.
The chemistry between them is uncomfortable. It’s supposed to be. It mimics that toxic "hit" you get from a new relationship that you know, deep down, is going to destroy you.
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Supporting Roles that Ground the Chaos
A horror movie is only as good as the people who have to deal with the protagonist's spiraling sanity. Enter John-Paul Howard and Mallorie Santos.
John-Paul Howard plays a significant role in rounding out the social world Alex inhabits. He’s been in things like The Wretched and Hell or High Water, so he’s no stranger to genre storytelling. In Dead Thing, he provides a necessary foil to the escalating strangeness of Alex’s life. Then there’s Mallorie Santos. Her presence helps flesh out the "dating app" culture that the film satirizes and dissects.
The casting choices here feel very intentional. Nobody feels like a "star" just for the sake of a paycheck. They feel like people you’d actually see at a dive bar in Los Angeles at 2:00 AM.
Why the Casting Works for Neo-Noir
Elric Kane, the director, has a deep background in film history—he’s a co-host of the Colors of the Dark podcast and a genuine cinephile. He knew he needed actors who could handle long takes and heavy dialogue. This isn't a jump-scare movie. It's a "vibes" movie.
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- Blu Hunt carries the emotional weight of the "addicted" lover.
- Ben Lamb handles the physical transformation and the eerie, stagnant energy of the antagonist.
- The Cinematography almost acts as a cast member itself, but it relies on the actors staying still, letting the shadows do the work.
Misconceptions About the Cast and Production
Sometimes people confuse this film with other "Dead" titles. It happens. We live in an era of endless content. But the cast of the Dead Thing film is specific to this 2024/2025 festival run. This isn't a high-budget studio project. It’s an independent vision.
One thing people get wrong is assuming the film is a slasher. It isn't. Because the actors play it so straight, the horror is psychological. When you see Blu Hunt’s face as she realizes what Kyle is, it’s not just fear—it’s grief. That’s a hard note to hit. Most horror actors just scream. She mourns.
What to Watch Next if You Liked the Cast
If you found the performances compelling, you should definitely check out the actors' previous work to see their range. Blu Hunt in The New Mutants shows her handling a much larger, more CGI-heavy environment, which makes her grounded work in Dead Thing even more impressive.
If you're looking for more movies with a similar "deadly romance" or "supernatural dating" vibe, look into:
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- A Ghost Waits (Another indie gem that deals with spectral connections).
- It Follows (For that sense of architectural dread).
- Spring (Benson and Moorhead's masterpiece on monstrous love).
How to Follow the Film's Journey
Since this is an indie project, the best way to support the cast of the Dead Thing film is to keep an eye on digital release dates following its festival run. It premiered at Fantasia International Film Festival, which is usually a massive green light for quality in the horror community.
To stay updated, you should follow Elric Kane on social media or keep tabs on the production company, Hellbender Media. They often post behind-the-scenes clips that show how the cast handled the more "visceral" practical effects used in the later half of the movie.
Seeing the transition from Ben Lamb's "charming boyfriend" look to his "something is rotting" look is a masterclass in makeup and physical acting. It’s worth the watch just for that.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check VOD Platforms: Look for Dead Thing on platforms like Shudder or Arrow Video, as these are the most likely homes for a film of this pedigree.
- Follow the Leads: Blu Hunt and Ben Lamb are both active on Instagram; following them is the quickest way to find out about their next projects and limited screenings.
- Watch the Short First: If you can find it, look for Elric Kane’s earlier short films to see how his directorial style—and his preference for specific types of actors—evolved into this feature.