Them 2007
Directed by
David Moreau
Made by
Slowhand Cinema Releasing
Plot Summary
As New Mexico State Police Sgt. Ben Peterson and his partner Ed Blackburn patrol the desolate desert surrounding Alamogordo, they unexpectedly encounter a mysterious sight: a catatonic young girl aimlessly wandering while a damaged caravan nearby hints at a darker fate for its occupants. Rushing to the scene, authorities summon an ambulance in hopes of reviving the girl. Initially unresponsive, she suddenly stirs at the sound of an eerie, high-pitched hum emanating from the ground, her eyes snapping open as if roused by an unseen force. However, as the haunting melody fades away, she collapses back into her silent state, unnoticed by the adults around her.
As night falls, the officers stop by a rural general store, only to stumble upon its owner’s lifeless body. Peterson leaves Blackburn behind to secure the crime scene while he takes a moment to digest the disturbing sight. Before he can fully grasp the implications of the murder, Blackburn mysteriously disappears, seemingly lured away by an unexplainable force. Days later, FBI Agent Robert Graham arrives to delve into the strange occurrences. In addition, the Department of Agriculture sends in Dr. Harold Medford and his daughter Pat Medford, experts in myrmecology, to assist with the investigation. During their inquiry, Medford exposes the catatonic girl to the potent fumes of formic acid, a substance associated with ants. The overwhelming scent jolts her from her trance, and in sheer panic, she exclaims, > “Them! Them!”
Accompanying Graham and the Medfords back to the site where the girl was first found, Pat inadvertently uncovers a colossal ant foraging in the desert. Following Medford’s guidance, Peterson and Graham unleash a hail of bullets at the ant’s antennae, successfully blinding and killing it with their submachine guns. Medford proposes that these gigantic insects have mutated due to radiation from the very first atomic bomb test in Alamogordo, explaining their violent behavior. A helicopter search then commences, leading them to the ants’ nest. In a frantic attempt to neutralize the threat, cyanide gas bombs are deployed into the nest. Inside, Pat discovers evidence that two queens have hatched and escaped, each ready to establish new colonies.
The authorities initiate a worldwide hunt to track down these mutant creatures, exploring every possibility. They eventually locate one queen and her offspring aboard a freighter bound from Acapulco, but tragically, the crew is found dead. The Navy acts swiftly, sending a fleet to sink the vessel and eliminate any potential menace it might pose.
As Graham and Pat delve further into the investigation, they find themselves in Brownsville, Texas, where a deranged civilian pilot—who had been institutionalized after claiming alien coercion involving giant ants—becomes a primary suspect. Their pursuit continues to Los Angeles, where a hospitalized patient shares a horrifying account of oversized ants lurking in the drainage system near his window. The disheartening discovery of a father’s mutilated body starkly emphasizes that not every investigation concludes neatly. In this case, two young boys are missing, leaving the case veiled in mystery. Determined to uncover the truth, Peterson teams up with Graham and the Medfords to scour the drainage system for the lost children. After traversing perilous terrain, he discovers the boys trapped near the ants’ colony, only to be ambushed and killed by a monstrous insect. Graham arrives with armed forces in tow, but they soon find themselves confronted by the remaining queen and her army. The Medfords call for eradication, and the ants are exterminated with flamethrowers, as Pat’s father reflects on the extensive implications of atomic testing since Trinity, hinting at a broader cosmic context that may have led to this catastrophic predicament.
Timeline
Discovery of the Catatonic Girl
Sgt. Ben Peterson and his partner Ed Blackburn patrol the desert near Alamogordo when they encounter a young girl wandering aimlessly. The girl is found in a catatonic state near a damaged caravan, raising immediate concerns about her safety and the fate of those who may have been with her.
Eerie Awakening
Authorities are summoned to the scene, and an ambulance is called for the girl. At first unresponsive, she is suddenly roused by a high-pitched hum from the ground, her eyes wide open, but collapses again as the sound fades, leaving the adults bewildered.
Murder at the General Store
Later that night, while checking a rural general store, Peterson discovers the owner has been murdered. Shaken by the chilling scene, he attempts to secure the area, only to realize that his partner Blackburn has mysteriously vanished without a trace.
FBI Investigation Enters
Days after Blackburn's disappearance, FBI Agent Robert Graham arrives to investigate the peculiar events surrounding Alamogordo. Alongside him are Dr. Harold Medford and his daughter Pat, specialists in myrmecology, who are brought in to examine possible ant-related phenomena.
The Girl's Panic
Dr. Medford introduces the catatonic girl to formic acid fumes, which shock her into consciousness. In a terrified outburst, she exclaims, 'Them! Them!' hinting at a larger threat, setting off alarms about what might be lurking in the desert.
The Colossal Ant Encounter
While revisiting the original site, Pat Medford accidentally discovers a gigantic ant roaming in the desert. Following Medford's instructions, Peterson and Graham unleashing a barrage of gunfire at its antennae, culminating in the creature’s death.
Mutation Theory Revealed
Dr. Medford theorizes that the giant ants have mutated due to radiation exposure from the first atomic bomb test in Alamogordo. This revelation links the monstrous creatures to broader implications of mankind's experiments with atomic energy.
Helicopter Search for the Nest
A helicopter search is initiated to locate the ants' nest. The team hopes to neutralize the threat, and upon discovering the nest, they deploy cyanide gas bombs in an effort to eradicate the growing insect menace.
Disappointment and Discovery
Inside the nest, Pat finds evidence indicating that two queens have hatched and escaped. This revelation signals a daunting challenge as the authorities realize they are dealing with potentially widespread colonies of these mutant ants.
Tracking the Queens
Authorities launch an international search to track down the mutant queens. Their investigation leads them to a freighter from Acapulco, where the crew is shockingly found dead, prompting the Navy to swiftly intervene to eliminate any threats.
Suspect in Brownsville
As the search continues, Graham and Pat travel to Brownsville, Texas, where they meet a disturbed pilot previously institutionalized for alleging alien encounters with giant ants. They begin to connect disparate events throughout their investigation.
Lurking Horror in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, they meet a hospitalized man who recounts terrifying encounters with oversized ants in the drainage system near his room. The situation escalates as two boys are reported missing, raising the urgency to solve the mystery.
Ambushed by Ants
Desperate to find the missing boys, Peterson joins Graham and the Medfords to explore the drainage system. They discover the children but are ambushed by a giant ant, leading to a tragic confrontation that leaves the boys in peril.
Final Confrontation
Graham arrives with military forces, and together they prepare for a showdown against the remaining ants and their queen. The Medfords call for the use of flamethrowers to eradicate the ant threat, resulting in an intense duel against these monstrous insects.
Reflection on Atomic Testing
After the intense battle concludes, Dr. Medford reflects on the consequences of atomic testing, drawing connections between the devastation caused by the ants and the broader ramifications humanity faces as a result of such experiments.
Characters
Sgt. Ben Peterson
A dedicated New Mexico State Police officer, Ben Peterson exemplifies resilience in the face of danger. His commitment to unraveling the strange occurrences drives him to the forefront of the investigation, showcasing bravery in confronting both the mystery of the girl and the mutant ants. He embodies the determination to protect his community, despite the overwhelming odds.
FBI Agent Robert Graham
Agent Robert Graham is a shrewd investigator whose experience is vital in piecing together the bizarre events in the desert. He brings a methodical approach to the case and collaborates closely with local authorities and specialists in order to understand the growing threat. His character highlights the balance between courage and intellect needed to face unexpected horrors.
Dr. Harold Medford
An expert in myrmecology, Dr. Harold Medford plays a crucial role in understanding the situation with the mutant ants. His scientific knowledge and guidance are essential in formulating strategies to confront the increasing ant threat. Dr. Medford's character emphasizes the intersection of science and disaster, as he grapples with the horrifying consequences of radiation.
Pat Medford
As Dr. Medford's daughter, Pat is drawn into the investigation, showcasing her bravery and resourcefulness. She uncovers significant evidence that propels the inquiry forward, demonstrating that she is more than just a bystander. Her character represents the fresh perspective of the younger generation facing the consequences of their predecessors' actions.
Setting
Time period
The events occur during a period when the consequences of atomic testing were becoming apparent, casting shadows over scientific advancements. The emergence of mutated ants highlights the unforeseen repercussions of humanity's actions and environmental disturbances caused by nuclear activity.
Location
Alamogordo, Brownsville, Texas, Los Angeles
The story unfolds primarily in the desolate desert surrounding Alamogordo, known for its historical significance related to atomic testing. Brownsville, Texas, serves as another key location where the investigation intensifies. Finally, Los Angeles provides a stark urban backdrop as the team uncovers more chilling discoveries related to the mutated ants.
Themes
🐜
Mutant Threat
The central theme revolves around the terror of mutated creatures resulting from human experimentation with atomic energy. The story delves into the consequences of radiation on the environment, showcasing the dangers and unexpected outcomes of scientific exploration. As the characters confront these monstrous ants, it raises questions about the impact of human actions on nature.
🔍
Investigation
The narrative is driven by a sense of urgency in uncovering the truth behind the bizarre occurrences in the desert. The collaboration between law enforcement and experts showcases the importance of teamwork in facing daunting challenges. The theme of investigation is pronounced as the characters race against time to stop the threat posed by the mutant ants before they cause further devastation.
⚛️
Nuclear Consequences
Reflecting on the broader implications of atomic testing, the story explores how human endeavors can lead to devastating outcomes. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dire effects of nuclear energy on the ecosystem. The narrative highlights the essential balance between scientific progress and the preservation of nature.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.