Them!

Them!, a gripping science fiction film released in 1954, presents an intriguing story efficiently integrated with elements of suspense and horror. Starring James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, and Joan Weldon, the plot intricately weaves around a perilous episode of deadly battles between humans and monstrous creatures not from another planet, but birthed from the earth - mutated giant ants to be precise.

The movie begins in the barren landscapes of New Mexico where state trooper Ben Peterson, played by James Whitmore, is bewildered by a series of bizarre incidents. Finding a child wandering alone in the desert, Peterson comes across a demolished mobile home with no survivors, later discovering a virtually unscathed store with a dead body, torn money bills, and high concentrations of formic acid. All this while, an odd, high-pitched noise seems to lurk in the background.

Edmund Gwenn, playing Dr. Harold Medford, a myrmecologist or ant specialist, sees potential connections between these incidents and a theory he's been nursing since the first atomic bomb tests in the same desert. Joined by his daughter Dr. Pat Medford, played by Joan Weldon, they set out to unravel the mystery and confirm their worst fears – the emergence of giant ants mutated by nuclear radiation.

The narrative of Them! maintains a gripping tempo, with suspense permeating every scene as the characters struggle to comprehend the magnitude of what they're dealing with. The pace even intensifies when the scope of the crisis broadens, with the authorities rallying to both destroy the threat and keep public panic at bay.

Directed by Gordon Douglas, Them! uses its premise as an allegory for nuclear war concerns that prevailed during the 1950s. It taps into the societal paranoia that existed during that era, reflecting the fears of nuclear weapons and the irreversible changes they could bring about. The film, pioneering the ‘giant bug’ genre, laid the groundwork for many horror and science fiction movies that followed.

James Whitmore as Peterson gave a gritty performance as the decisive and determined man of action, pivotal in the struggle against the giant ants. Edmund Gwenn, as the quintessential wise, elderly scientist, impresses with his intellectual prowess, while Joan Weldon as Pat Medford provides a layered portrayal of a scientist whose professional life is frequently at odds with societal expectations of women of her time. The cast overall delivers with aplomb, making the unbelievable seem plausible and stirring tension as well as empathy among the viewers.

The technical aspects of Them! are noteworthy, considering it was produced in the mid-20th century. Ingenious work on special effects and sound design creates an eerie atmosphere, enhancing the chilling effect of the oversized creatures. The iconic noise associated with the ants, for instance, instantly triggers discomfort, and becomes a signal of impending doom as the story progresses, thus making it an important element of the suspense build-up.

Despite being shot in black and white, the visuals are strikingly effective in capturing the deadly confrontations between man and giant insect. Sealable suits worn by the characters in the colossal anthills, an expanse of desert, and shadowy state docks, all stand as distinctive sets that paint an appropriately somber picture of the grim reality the characters grapple with.

As a feature film, Them! significantly contributes to the landscape of vintage horror and science fiction cinema. It elegantly merges elements of police procedural drama and horror, delivering a unique cinematic experience. While intermittently indulging in moments of levity, the movie consistently maintains a menacing undertone that will successfully keep any viewer at the edge of their seat.

Them! is more than a scary movie about giant ants rampaging across the country. This piece of classical cinema serves as an examination of human fear and devastation amidst unforeseen calamities and dangers. The movie is remembered not only for its thrilling content but also for its underlying message. It tactfully addresses the fears surrounding atomic energy and its potential, giving the audience a compelling narrative that makes them think, which is a hallmark of impactful cinema.