Added to Netflix on Friday, Mar 1, 2024 They/Them, directed by John Logan in his feature directorial debut, is a slasher horror movie set within the unsettling environment of an LGBTQ+ conversion camp. Kevin Bacon stars as Owen Whistler, the camp director, where several queer and trans campers join for what is presented as a week of programming aimed at helping them “find a new sense of freedom.” However, as the camp’s methods reveal themselves to be increasingly psychologically disturbing, the campers must unite to protect themselves from both the camp’s harmful practices and a mysterious killer who begins claiming victims. The movie navigates through themes of identity, acceptance, and survival against both human-made horrors and a lurking physical threat.
Length: 1h 41m
Genre: Horror, Suspense, LGBTQIA+
This Title is: A tension-filled narrative that explores the horrors of conversion therapy through a slasher movie lens
They/Them is New on Netflix in Canada!
Trailer
Cast
- Kevin Bacon as Owen Whistler
- Anna Chlumsky as Molly
- Carrie Preston as Cora
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: TV-MA
Content warning for themes around LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and slasher movie violence
Trivia
- The movie marks John Logan’s directorial debut, known for his work on Skyfall, Gladiator, and The Aviator.
- It premiered at the Outfest film festival on July 24, 2022, before its Peacock release on August 5, 2022.
- They/Them was created with the intent to celebrate queerness and the strength found in community and identity.
Our Review
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“They/Them,” blending horror with social commentary, has elicited mixed reactions. Its premise, set in an LGBTQ+ conversion camp, offers a unique backdrop for horror, intertwining real-life horrors with those of a slasher movie. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its strong cast and inclusive themes. Kevin Bacon, Anna Chlumsky, and Theo Germaine deliver performances that stand out, bringing depth to their characters and the film’s tense atmosphere.
However, the movie’s execution has faced criticism for its inability to fully explore the depth and complexity of its themes. The balance between delivering a compelling horror story and engaging with the serious issues it raises has been a point of contention. Some viewers found the horror elements less frightening and the exploration of LGBTQ+ themes somewhat surface-level, desiring a deeper engagement with the characters’ experiences and the camp’s impact on them.
Despite these criticisms, “They/Them” is acknowledged for its ambition in tackling pertinent social issues through the horror genre lens. The film’s visual style and direction have been noted as strong points, effectively creating an unsettling atmosphere that complements its storyline. Its entertainment value, while varying among viewers, offers a mix of thrills and moments of reflection on the realities of conversion therapy and LGBTQ+ identity, making it a noteworthy addition to the horror genre and queer cinema.”
Critic Scores
They/Them has received a mostly negative review by the critics.
