They/Them

They/Them (pronounced "They Slash Them") is a 2022 horror-thriller film that puts a unique twist on the traditional slasher genre by introducing a socially aware storyline that grapples with themes of identity, acceptance, and survival. The film, directed by John Logan in his directorial debut, features a well-known ensemble cast including Kevin Bacon, Theo Germaine, and Anna Chlumsky.

Set against the ominous backdrop of a remote conversion therapy camp, the film opens up with a group of LGBTQ+ youths who arrive at Whistler Camp, each grappling with their own struggles and seeking a sense of acceptance and understanding. The camp, led by Owen Whistler (played by Kevin Bacon), ostensibly aims to help these young individuals find new confidence and community. However, its true motives are far more dubious as it seeks to "reform" them to fit societal norms under the guise of support and guidance.

Each camper carries their unique story into the confining spaces of the camp, among them being Jordan (played by Theo Germaine), a non-binary teen who is particularly resistant to the camp's dogmatic approach. Jordan serves as a central figure that the other campers rally around, embodying the defiance and resilience of the group. Their skepticism about the camp's methods and intentions acts as a catalyst for the group's solidarity, as the teens gradually come to terms with the harmful nature of the camp's practices.

Actress Anna Chlumsky features as a camp therapist, whose role in the camp's structure is complex and reveals the tension between the staff's justifications for their actions and the evident harm they inflict on the campers. As the staff push their agenda of conformity, the characters engage in a psychological and emotional battle against oppressive systems, all the while exploring their personal identities and forging deep bonds with one another in the process.

While dealing with these serious and challenging themes, the movie smoothly transitions into the horror genre as strange occurrences begin to manifest within the camp's perimeter. Ominous events and a sense of dread escalate, flipping the script on the typical slasher narrative; in They/Them, the real-life horrors of identity suppression and societal pressure blend with the fictional terror of the classic horror setting. It's not just a fight for psychological freedom but now a fight for literal survival.

The film garners tension and fear not only through the traditional means of eerie music and jump scares but by capturing the psychological torment that comes with forced conversion. It amplifies the terror inherent to the premise of the conversion camp – a setting already rife with its own real-world horror. In doing so, the movie seeks to edge its way into the viewers' consciousness, inviting empathy for the characters' experiences, both at the hands of the camp's administration and the lurking, undefined threat.

Kevin Bacon's portrayal of Owen Whistler is nuanced, delivering a performance that walks the line between charismatic and menacing. His character's engagement with the teens is a mix of paternalistic charm and increasingly chilling zealotry. The campers, including Jordan, are portrayed with depth and complexity, making their plight engrossing and heart-wrenching. As the story progresses, the teens' fight against the oppressive ideologies of the camp intersperses with their personal journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance.

On a visual level, They/Them strikes a balance between the captivating natural beauty of the remote location and the claustrophobic, controlled environment of the camp itself. This duality reflects the inner conflict within the campers — the desire to be free and true to themselves versus the repressive force of the camp's regime. The cinematography plays a key role in creating an atmosphere of isolation and tension, effectively setting up the stage for the horror and suspense elements to take hold.

As with many horror films that seek to share a message or provide social commentary, They/Them uses the terror of the genre as a metaphor for the deeper, more insidious fears experienced by those in the LGBTQ+ community. It approaches its subject matter with intensity, seeking not just to scare but to make a statement about the damaging effects of conversion therapy and the importance of accepting one's true self.

The narrative throughout builds up to a climactic finish that pushes the envelope on both the thriller and social critique aspects. Without diving into spoilers, the conclusion of the film is intended to leave a lasting impact on audiences, combining the thrills of the horror genre with a poignant take on real-world issues. They/Them is more than just a horror film; it's a socially relevant piece that engages with its subject matter in a way that's meant to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and stir conversations around the continued fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation.