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Them!
1954 94 min United States of America 16+
★7.7
Science Fiction, Horror
Director: Gordon Douglas
Trailers
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EN
Description
As a result of nuclear testing, gigantic, ferocious mutant ants appear in the American desert southwest, and a father-daughter team of entomologists join forces with the state police officer who first discovers their existence, an FBI agent and, eventually, the US Army to eradicate the menace, before it spreads across the continent — and the world.
Budget:
$23M
Starring
James Whitmore
Actor
Edmund Gwenn
Actor
Joan Weldon
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1955
— Best Visual Effects
Key opinion
Them! is widely regarded as a seminal entry in 1950s science fiction that masterfully blends Cold War nuclear anxieties with grounded, methodical storytelling. Despite the era's technical limitations, its blend of practical effects, strong performances, and integration of biological detail secures its status as a timeless classic.
| Theme | The film effectively weaves contemporary 1950s nuclear testing anxieties into its narrative, serving as a powerful Cold War cautionary tale. | |
| Screenplay | The integration of genuine entomological facts about ant biology and nest structure lends a surprising level of scientific credibility to the monster premise. | |
| Acting | The cast—including Whitmore, Gwenn, and Weldon—delivers anchored, highly capable performances that elevate the material above standard B-movie fare. | |
| Direction | Gordon Douglas’s direction provides a tight, methodical pace that successfully navigates the film’s inherently implausible premise. | |
| Production | While some viewers praise the 1950s puppetry and creature effects as high-quality for their time, others view them as amateurish or charmingly dated. |