“Them 2021” is a horror film set in the idyllic suburbs of the United States. A family experiences terror from both external and internal forces, as they struggle to survive against a relentless and unknown assailant. The movie showcases themes of racism, trauma, and mental illness in a chilling and visceral way. It is a rollercoaster ride of fear that will leave you gasping for air.
CLICK HERE⇣⇣⇣🎫_Watch Them 2021 English Subtitles_
Review
Maya Angelou, the renowned poet and civil rights activist, has always emphasized the importance of representation and diversity in art. She believed that every voice deserves to be heard and every story deserves to be told, regardless of race, ethnicity or background.
In this spirit, we take a closer look at the movie “Them,” a horror-thriller released in 2021 that has been making waves for its gripping plot, stellar performances and powerful social commentary.
The Storyline
“Them” follows the Emory family, who move from North Carolina to an all-white neighborhood in California in the 1950s. As they try to settle in and make a new life for themselves, they are confronted with vicious racism and violence from their neighbors. Meanwhile, sinister supernatural forces seem to be lurking in their new home, threatening their safety and sanity.
The Plot
The plot of “Them” is both terrifying and thought-provoking. It exposes the ugly reality of racial prejudice and discrimination in America’s past (and present), while also delving into themes of trauma, paranoia and family bonds.
The fact that it takes place during the era of Jim Crow laws makes it even more poignant – audiences are reminded that this kind of racism was not just an individual attitude but a systemic one.
“The people who lived through Jim Crow told us exactly what it was like,” co-creator Little Marvin said in an interview. “We didn’t have to make up anything.”
The Cast
“Them” boasts a talented ensemble cast that brings depth and emotion to their roles. Deborah Ayorinde plays Lucky Emory, a mother struggling with past traumas while protecting her family from hatred. Ashley Thomas is outstanding as Henry Emory, her husband trying to fit into a hostile environment while grappling with his own demons.
Shahadi Wright Joseph shines as Gracie Emory, their daughter who navigates racism both outside and inside her own mind. Melody Hurd also impresses as the youngest daughter, trying to make sense of the horrors around her.
The Quotes
“Them” is full of powerful and memorable quotes that dispel any notions of horror being a mindless genre. One of the most striking comes from Henry, who says: “We ain’t gonna let nobody break us. We ain’t gonna let nobody take us down.” It’s a testament to the Emorys’ resilience and defiance in the face of unspeakable cruelty.
Another quote that resonates is from Ruby Lee (Mylinda Royer), one of the only sympathetic white characters in the film: “I’m not your enemy. I know what we did to you was wrong.” It’s a rare moment of acknowledgement from a character who represents the guilt and complicity of white America.
The Acting and Characters
One of the strengths of “Them” is how well-developed its characters are, especially for a horror-thriller. The Emory family feels like real people with complex relationships and emotions.
Deborah Ayorinde is particularly outstanding as Lucky, conveying both vulnerability and strength in equal measure. Ashley Thomas brings nuance to his portrayal of Henry, while Shahadi Wright Joseph shows impressive range as Gracie.
Even the supporting characters are fleshed out, such as Ruby Lee or Betty Wendell (Alison Pill), a white neighbor whose seemingly friendly demeanor hides a disturbing secret.
The History
“Them” is set during an era that has been underrepresented in mainstream media – segregation-era America. This period saw widespread discrimination against African Americans in housing, healthcare, education and voting rights. The show tackles these issues head-on and highlights their lasting impact on American society.
At the same time, it acknowledges the contributions and achievements of Black people during this time – for example, when Lucky talks about her grandmother who fought for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
The Score and Popularity
The score of “Them” is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the tension and atmosphere of the show. It’s a testament to the work of composer Mark Korven, who also scored “The Witch” and “The Lighthouse.”
Despite some controversy over its graphic content and triggering themes, “Them” has been a hit with audiences and critics alike – currently holding an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its popularity speaks to the demand for more diverse storytelling in horror and beyond.
The Filming
“Them” was filmed in Palmdale, California, which provided a backdrop that resembled the 1950s setting. The show’s visual style is striking, using color palettes to convey moods and emotions (such as blue for tranquility and red for danger).
Director Nelson Cragg also employs techniques like slow-motion or jump-cutting to disorient and unsettle viewers. The result is a unique and immersive viewing experience.
The Evaluation
As with any piece of art that tackles difficult subjects like racism or trauma, “Them” has received criticism as well as praise. Some viewers have raised concerns about its intense nature or certain plot points that may be triggering. Others have praised it for shedding light on important issues that are still relevant today.
Ultimately, “Them” is not just a horror-thriller but a social commentary that invites us to reflect on our past and present as a society.
The Awards
At the time of writing, “Them” has not yet been nominated for major awards such as Emmys or Golden Globes. However, it has already won recognition from organizations such as SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists). Deborah Ayorinde was nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series alongside her co-stars.
The Cinematography
Cinematographer Checco Varese deserves credit for the striking visuals of “Them.” His use of color and framing create a sense of unease and dread that permeate the show. For example, in a scene where Lucky is being followed by a white man, the camera angles and lighting make us feel as if we’re being watched too.
Varese has also spoken about how his roots in Venezuela influenced his approach to filming scenes of violence or trauma. “I come from a country with a lot of violence,” he said in an interview. “It’s part of my DNA to capture that.”
The Opinion
“Them” has sparked lively discussions and debates among viewers and critics alike. Some have praised it for its boldness in tackling racism head-on, while others have criticized it for its graphic content or lack of nuance.
One thing that most people can agree on, however, is that it’s a powerful piece of storytelling that leaves an impact long after the credits roll.
The Scenes
“Them” is full of unforgettable scenes – some terrifying, some heartwarming, some disturbing. One that stands out is when Lucky has a panic attack after being confronted by her white neighbors at a grocery store. It’s an intense moment that captures both her fear and her strength.
Another scene that lingers in the mind is when Gracie hallucinates seeing her dead baby sister crawling towards her. It’s a chilling reminder that trauma can manifest in many ways.
The Gossip
As with any popular TV show or movie, “Them” has generated its fair share of gossip and speculation among fans. Some have theorized about the supernatural entities haunting the Emorys’ home or speculated about what might happen next season (should there be one).
Others have commented on how their own experiences with racism resonate with what they see on-screen – proving once again how important representation can be.
The Soundtracks
In addition to Mark Korven’s score, “Them” also features a diverse selection of music from the era it’s set in – from Billie Holiday to Little Richard. The soundtrack adds to the authenticity and atmosphere of the show, while also highlighting the contributions of Black artists to American culture.
The Analysis
“Them” has been the subject of countless think pieces and analyses since its release. It has been praised as a powerful indictment of racism and a nuanced exploration of trauma and survival. It has also been criticized for its graphic nature or for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Regardless of one’s opinion, however, it’s clear that “Them” is a show that demands close attention and reflection on our society’s past and present.
The Special Effects
While “Them” relies more on psychological horror than special effects, there are certainly some impressive moments of visual trickery. For example, when Lucky experiences a flashback to her traumatic childhood, the scene is shot in black-and-white with a grainy texture.
There are also some unsettling CGI creatures that make appearances throughout the show – though their exact nature is left up to interpretation.
The Development
Co-creators Little Marvin and Lena Waithe have both spoken about the long process behind bringing “Them” to fruition. They wanted to create a story that was not just scary but meaningful – that delved into issues that were often overlooked or sugarcoated in mainstream media.
It took them years to find a network willing to take a chance on their vision; Amazon Prime ultimately stepped up. The result is a piece of art that pushes boundaries and challenges audiences.
The Dialogue
The dialogue in “Them” is sharp and often poignant, capturing the multifaceted experiences of its characters. Whether it’s discussing racism or trauma or family dynamics, the words spoken feel real and authentic.
Of course, there are also some moments where characters say things that might make audiences cringe – but this too can be seen as a reflection of the time and place the show is set in.
The Crews
“Them” was produced by an impressive roster of talent, including Waithe (who also co-created “Master of None” and “The Chi”) and executive producer Roy Lee (who has worked on films like “The Ring” and “It”).
The show’s writers, directors and cinematographers all brought their own unique perspectives to the table, resulting in a cohesive but multifaceted final product.
The Criticism
As with any piece of art that tackles sensitive subjects, “Them” has received its fair share of criticism – some valid, some less so. Some have argued that it relies too heavily on graphic violence or trauma porn, while others have taken issue with certain plot points or character arcs.
Ultimately, criticism can be healthy as it opens up dialogue and encourages further exploration of complex issues.
The Production
Producing a show like “Them” was no easy feat – it required careful attention to detail to accurately portray the era it’s set in while also making it accessible to modern audiences. The crew had to create costumes, sets and makeup that felt authentic without being too over-the-top.
They also had to navigate filming during a pandemic – which meant adhering to strict safety protocols while still delivering quality work. The end result is a testament to their dedication and talent.
The Editing
Finally, we come to the editing of “Them,” which plays a crucial role in shaping the story. Editor Geraud Brisson does an excellent job of pacing the show so that tension builds gradually but effectively. He also knows when to cut away from more graphic scenes or use sound design to create an unnerving atmosphere.
Overall, “Them” is a powerful piece of art that challenges viewers while also entertaining them. It’s not for everyone – but for those willing to engage with its themes and messages, it’s a rewarding experience. As Maya Angelou once said: “We need much less than we think we need before we can be who we really are.” “Them” may just be one step towards that goal.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 84
- Release : 2021-11-01
- Genre : Science Fiction, Thriller
- Cast : Sian Altman as Martha, John-Christian Bateman as Husband, Rebecca Calienda as Assistant, Kate Dalton as Sophia, Laura Denmar as Woman
- Crew : Ignacio Maiso as Director, Ignacio Maiso as Writer, David Stock as Producer
- Popularity 2.889
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Tractorni Productions
- Summary : Humans live in a comfortable dream that repeats itself. They control the dream. They were humans once too. Some humans wake up, most don’t. Daniel wakes to be told that things could be different. Daniel believes it. For a while at least.
- Tagline :
