Movie Review: They/Them (2022)
Synopsis
"They/Them" is a unique blend of horror and thriller directed by John Logan, who has chosen a distinctive narrative path to address contemporary issues concerning gender identity and the often-traumatic experiences faced by those within the LGBTQ+ community. Set in a remote conversion therapy camp during a summer retreat, the film follows a group of young adults who arrive with the hope of reconciling their identities through the guidance and control exerted by the camp’s staff.
The film opens with a diverse ensemble of characters, primarily LGBTQ+ youth, who are subjected to the chilling environment of the camp. The camp appears to be a structured environment aiming to ‘cure’ what the staff deems ‘deviant’ behaviours through various psychological manipulation tactics. However, as the days pass, the tension escalates. The sinister intentions of the staff are revealed, alongside the ominous and increasingly threatening atmosphere as the teens attempt to navigate their fears and true selves while facing an unexpected threat lurking in the shadows.
When a series of unexplainable incidents begins to unfold within the camp, panic ensues. The youngest adults must band together, battling both their psychological and physical threats while confronting the true nature of their identities. ‘They/Them’ plunges into the multifaceted issues surrounding gender, acceptance, and the societal pressure to conform, intricately weaving these themes into the spine-chilling narrative.
Cast and Characters
- Kevin Bacon as Owen
- Ana Chlumsky as Cora
- Theo Germaine as Jordan
- Anna Akana as Alexandra
- Monique Hayes as Veronica
- Maria Bakalova as Kim
- Jesse LaTourette as Molly
- Nicholas Alexander as Toby
- Dalton Harrod as Chad
- Kaitlyn Black as Janet
Review
"They/Them" presents itself as an ambitious film, touching upon some of the most pressing social topics while trying to deliver thrills that retain the audience’s attention. John Logan’s vision is commendable; however, the execution often falters, leading to a mixed viewing experience. The film’s portrayal of a conversion camp as its primary setting is both timely and poignant, offering a necessary commentary on a practice that remains toxic and unfortunately relevant in today’s society.
Kevin Bacon’s portrayal of Owen is undoubtedly one of the film’s strong points. He embodies the character of a manipulative camp leader with a hauntingly charming presence that sends chills down the spine. Bacon’s experience in the horror genre adds depth to his performance, as he navigates Owen’s complex personality effectively. Ana Chlumsky as Cora brings an impressive mix of authority and vulnerability to her character, providing a grounded counterbalance to Bacon’s intensity.
Theo Germaine, taking on the role of Jordan, serves as the emotional heart of the group, giving a compelling performance that resonates deeply throughout the narrative. Germaine’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength is commendable, anchoring the film amid the supernatural threats that pepper the storyline. The other characters, each representing various facets of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, have their moments but often feel slightly underdeveloped, feeling stereotypical instead of being fleshed out.
Logan’s script attempts to explore numerous themes including acceptance, identity, and the struggle for self-discovery. Unfortunately, this ambition sometimes overwhelms the plot, leading to a lack of clear character arcs and dramatic payoffs. While the film draws upon very real fears associated with the notion of conversion therapy, there are times when the horror elements feel disjointed from the social commentary, leading to a narrative that feels more ambitious than cohesive.
The cinematography by David Klein is visually stunning, capturing the eerie isolation of the camp beautifully. The haunting landscapes mirror the internal struggles of the characters, blending the natural beauty of the environment with an underlying sense of dread. The sound design deserves mention too; subtle audioscapes add to the film’s atmosphere, enhancing tension during key scenes and creating a haunting ambiance.
However, the pacing of "They/Them" is uneven at best. Early portions of the film build anticipation and dread effectively; however, as it pushes towards the climax, the narrative succumbs to cliché horror tropes. The film’s final third seems to spiral into predictability, pushing past the potential for meaningful resolutions in favour of conventional genre elements. This shift diminishes the overall impact of the film’s commentary, leaving audiences wanting a more nuanced conclusion to the conflicts presented throughout.
Another element that could have been explored further is the interactions among the group of campers. While the film successfully showcases the bonds formed through shared experiences, moments of levity and friendship feel scattered, occasionally lost amidst the heavier themes. Greater depth in these relationships would have added richness to the narrative, allowing for stronger emotional stakes when facing the threats posed by both the camp staff and the existential dilemmas the characters face.
In terms of social relevance, "They/Them" succeeds in opening conversations around LGBTQ+ challenges, particularly focusing on the harmful implications of conversion therapy. Its exploration of personal identity against an oppressive backdrop is critically important, though its horror elements at times overshadow this crucial message. The film’s intent to draw from real experiences and apply them to a horror framework is admirable but leaves some viewers craving a more direct approach to its themes.
Ultimately, "They/Them" is an intriguing flick that ambitiously attempts to meld horror with poignant social commentary. It’s a film that reveals the fears and struggles of its characters, yet falters when merging those inner demons with the external horrors they must face. While the performances, particularly by Bacon and Germaine, elevate the film, the script’s inconsistencies and uneven pacing detract from its otherwise commendable intentions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "They/Them" finds itself at a crossroads, balancing a desire to entertain with a need to educate and provoke thought. It addresses significant issues while striving to maintain suspense but occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. The film is both a horror story and a call for empathy and understanding, making it essential viewing for those seeking to delve into the contemporary challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
While it successfully highlights the need for acceptance and the horror of societal pressures, it ultimately lacks the tight storytelling and character development that would elevate it to a more compelling narrative. For its bravery in addressing difficult themes with a horror lens and for some strong performances, "They/Them" garners a score of 6.5 out of 10. It’s a film worth watching not only for its artistic strides in genre filmmaking but also for its commitment to fostering important discussions around identity and acceptance.
