As a result of nuclear testing, gigantic, ferocious mutant ants appear in the American desert southwest, and a father-daughter team of entomologists join forces with the state police officer who first discovers their existence, an FBI agent and, eventually, the US Army to eradicate the menace, before it spreads across the continent — and the world.
When a trail of mysterious deaths leads FBI agent Robert Graham and a pair of entomologists, Dr. Matt Hudson and his daughter Pat, to the New Mexico desert, they discover the cause: giant, irradiated ants. As the monstrous insects grow in size and numbers, threatening cities and people, the government races against time to find a way to stop them before they conquer the world. The desperate search leads to the New York City sewers, where the final confrontation with the queen ant takes place.
Them! was a critical and commercial success, praised for its groundbreaking special effects, suspenseful narrative, and effective blend of horror and science fiction. It is widely regarded as one of the best 'giant monster' movies of the 1950s and a significant film in the genre, resonating with post-war anxieties about nuclear power and Cold War paranoia.
Google audience: Viewers frequently laud 'Them!' for its classic monster movie thrills and surprisingly effective special effects for its time. The film's ability to build suspense and its iconic giant ants are often highlighted as major strengths, making it a beloved staple for fans of 1950s science fiction.
The iconic ant sound effect was created by reversing a recording of a cat's purr and mixing it with the sound of a janitor dragging a trash can.
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