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Paranoia Destroys Groups
One of the most important themes shared by both movies is that paranoia can destroy a group almost as effectively as the monster can.
A group of people working together is powerful.
A group of people who don't trust one another is incredibly vulnerable.
Once suspicion takes hold, cooperation becomes difficult.
People start hiding information.
They start accusing one another.
They make decisions based on fear.
And eventually they may begin fighting each other.
The monster doesn't necessarily have to kill everyone.
It just needs to make everyone suspicious.
That's an important distinction.
The Thing attacks bodies.
Paranoia attacks relationships.
