Them [2021]
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7.2
This is a tough review.
The long short:
Artistically, Them is the most amazing show I have ever watched. From performances to cinematography to score to art direction, Them is flawless. From a story-telling perspective, Them is absolutely masterful in its craft and should be used as an example of wonderful themes, strategies, and techniques. The story that Them actually tells though, falls far short of its technical achievements. As an entire piece, I give it the rating above. As an artistic piece, I give it an absolutely perfect 10/10.
Them is an incredible work of art that I think everyone (especially every American) needs to see. Artistically, Them should change the face of television as we know it. From a technical perspective, I think that the way this story was executed and told through the camera should be as revolutionary as color or sound was for moving pictures. I have never seen a show more daring, strange, or risky. Purely from an artistic standpoint, there is nothing on television or in film to compare. I've included two scenes in video format to give a very light idea of what I'm talking about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGBMm0rxv-g
While Them is an artistic masterpiece, looking at the show as an entire arc, the story is considerably weaker. There are lots of loose ends, moments of hand holding explanations, and character lines that simply don't add anything to the show. If you watch this, I highly recommend skipping episode 9 (Covenant II) entirely. Without this episode, the show is a MUCH stronger piece of work, but even as such, many of the story telling elements still fall pretty short of spectacular. They are still good, just not as amazing as the art direction, acting, or cinematography.
Watch this show. It is difficult, it is upsetting, it is startling... but for many Americans, the underlying tale it tells... is real life. This is not one to be ignored for any reason. I understand why it gets lukewarm reviews, as the story (episode 9 specifically) really falls short of it's amazing presentation, but I do believe that this is the most important piece of fictional media to come out in the last several years if not decades.
