Them!

The events unfold in 1954, in the early Cold War and the dawn of the atomic age. The era's anxiety about radiation, nuclear weapons, and government secrecy shapes how investigators respond. The timeline tightens as the threat to humanity appears imminent.

The story begins in the New Mexico desert near Alamogordo, where a catatonic girl and a destroyed trailer signal a mysterious threat. The investigation then moves to the desert's edge and into urban environments, including Los Angeles' vast drainage system and a coastal ship in the Pacific. The varied locations emphasize the spread of the danger from remote wastes to populated areas.

🧬 Mutation

The film centers on how radiation from atomic testing mutates ordinary desert life into deadly predators. The ants’ growth and carnivorous behavior symbolize the unpredictable consequences of scientific advancement. It uses the mutated insects to explore fear of the unknown at the core of the era.

🛡️ Containment

Authorities seal off areas and restrict information to prevent public panic. Martial law is declared in Los Angeles, and a massive search operation is organized to control the threat. The film questions whether secrecy is effective or ethical when facing existential danger.

🌍 Survival

Humanity confronts a civilization-threatening menace that could outlast the nuclear era’s impacts. The characters’ sacrifices reveal how society prioritizes children’s safety and collective survival over individual safety. The story emphasizes resilience and the fragile balance between civilization and nature.